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EmailThe St. Patrick’s Day Parade is celebrated in all the major metropolitan areas of the United States. Below are pictures of the the more celebrated St. Patrick’s Day Parades in America. In smaller cities the parade may be celebrated earlier than the actual holiday due to availability of the groups marching in the parade route. The parade is a chance to celebrate Irish heritage in addition to recognizing the branches of the Armed Forces for their service. Several bands of bagpipe players included in the parade usually represents a emerald society, police, or fire district. The large bass drum seen in the back of the band depicts what group the band is from. Additionally, Irish dancers and local high school bands may also be seen on the parade route.
The holiday itself recognizes St. Patrick who brought Christianity to Ireland. The green theme comes from the shamrock leaf which St. Patrick used to illustrate the Holy Trinity to the Irish. Green can be seen on the revelers who come out to enjoy the parade either, on their faces, on their hats or on their clothes. The parade is a great time and often elaborate celebration where you can go out with friends and enjoy the fine music, food, and people that make the holiday great.
New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pictures
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest parade in the United States, with over 150,000 participants and over 2 million spectators. The parade route starts on 44th street and marches up 5th Avenue to 86th Street. The New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade also happens to be the one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parades dating back to 1762.
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Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pictures
The Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade has the honor of having the world’s first St. Patrick’s Day Parade held in 1737. The parade passes through the historical “Southie” part of Boston which is well known for its Irish heritage.
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Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pictures
While the Chicago St. Patrick’s Day parade may not be as old as parades from New York and Boston it’s still one of the top parade routes in the Country. Technically there are two parades the original and smaller “South Side Irish Parade” and the larger downtown parade. This parade always starts with the Chicago River being dyed bright green.
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Dublin Ohio St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Dublin Ohio St. Patrick’s Day Parade may not be as large as some of the major US cities, but has a strong community participation. The town was obviously named after Dublin Ireland and many residents have long history dating back to its original Irish immigrants.
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Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pictures
The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade is another parade with a rich heritage dating back to 1771. An interesting historical fact the temperance movement, to stop the drinking of alcohol, gained momentum was part of some the early parades from 1870 through 1900.
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San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day Parade Pictures
The San Francisco St. Patrick’s Day parade began as more of a pub crawl during the gold rush in 1851. By 1854 it had become an official parade, and is now the largest parade west of the Mississippi river.
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Savannah Georgia St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Savannah Georgia St. Patrick’s Day Parade may not be the parade that leaps to mind when you think of St. Patrick’s Day parades, but it is one of the largest and fastest growing parades in US. It is part of a week long celebration and third in size right behind Boston.
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Photo Credits
New York: NYCMarines,kaitlin.marie, NYCMarines, pbuergler,kaitlin.marie,A. Strakey
Boston: greenmelinda, Justin Brockie, Justin Brockie,wilbanks, Bryan Maleszyk, Plutor
Chicago: CHRISTOPHER MACSURAK,needoptic,southie3, goatling, BluEyedA73
Dublin Ohio:Elessar, Elessar, Elessar, Elessar, Elessar, Elessar, Elessar
Philadelphia:IrishFireside, kaitlin.marie, Zepfanman.com, Irish Philadelphia Photo Essays,Irish Philadelphia Photo Essays, jjandames,chrisinphilly5448
San Francisco:sam.soneja, chispita_666maartyn, pixieclipx,Nerboo,evie22
Savannah Georgia: Bruce Tuten, Kevin Lawver,yanec, DrJimiGlide, Bruce Tuten,Bruce Tuten
Featured:jpmpinmontreal
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