For the first time in two years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Fifth Avenue on Thursday, marking 260 years of marching to honor the legacy of St. Patrick, as well as Irish heritage and culture.

Despite the typical dreary Ireland-like weather, tens of thousands of people lined the streets of Midtown Manhattan to watch the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Many in the crowd were visiting from Ireland.


What You Need To Know

  • For the first time in two years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to Fifth Avenue

  • With 200 groups and 105 marching bands, organizers said it was the country's largest celebration since the pandemic began

  • At the start of the parade, in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a moment of silence was held to mark the 20th St. Patrick’s Day since the attacks on Sept. 11, as well to honor the lives lost in the pandemic

Ray Hanagan and Graeme Coleman traveled from Dublin.

“I hear it is the best parade, so we are really excited to be here,” Hanagan said.

Evan Gibbons and Clare Gellagagr were visiting from Galway on Ireland’s west coast, just to see the parade. They said the celebration at home wasn't nearly are big as the one here.

“I got some pictures from home a few minutes ago of like, a tractor and a horse and carriage and stuff, so this is a bit different,” Gibbons explained. “We haven’t had it for two years, so we came to New York to do it properly."

At the start of the parade, in front of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a moment of silence was held to mark the 20th St. Patrick’s Day since the attacks on Sept. 11, as well to honor the lives lost in the pandemic.

Members of the FDNY carried 343 flags to represent the number of members lost two decades ago. Participants in the parade faced south, towards the World Trade Center site, as "Amazing Grace" was played.

With 200 groups and 105 marching bands, organizers said it was the country's largest celebration since the pandemic began. As for the best way to celebrate after the parade, everyone had the same idea.

“Drinking,” said a paradegoer from England.

“Corned beef and cabbage and beer,” said another from Brooklyn.

During the pandemic, dozens of Irish bars across the city closed for good. Pub owners whose businesses are still standing are hoping for a big rebound this year after missing out on the celebrations for the last two years.