St. Patricks Day In NYC
On March 17, expect to see New York City's streets crowded with leprechauns, clovers, and shamrocks — the green and glitter of Saint Patrick's Day. The holiday floods the streets with loud noises and vibrant colors. Originally a Christian feast day to celebrate Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland, today, Saint Patrick's Day has grown into an international holiday to celebrate Irish Catholic traditions. This holiday is also manifested in the color green which are colors on the Irish flag and clovers which representing the Holy Trinity. Furthermore, Leprechauns are Irish folklore which supposedly have healing powers for wounds, superhuman strength, and possess pots of gold. They symbolize the luck of the Irish.
New York City held its first Saint Patrick's Day parade in 1762. The parade and festivities following this holiday is a celebration of the Irish community in New York City. New York City's festivities are not only the largest but also the oldest Saint Patrick's parade in the world, boasting two million viewers and 150,000 participants. The parade is sponsored by Catholic Health, Iona University, Jump to Ireland, St. Patricks Day Foundation, and many more sponsors which allows this tradition to continue.
St. Patricks Day is a holiday that everyone can take part in to celebrate New York City’s rich history. Junior Rachel Sporn notes, “This parade has always been a highlight for me every year. I see people coming together to unite to watch this parade and I cannot wait for this March.” Furthermore, another junior, Vittoria Giancotti, says, “From a young age, I have always celebrated this holiday with my family and now as I grow older, I understand the history and importance of Saint Patrick's Day. ” While St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally a Catholic and Irish holiday, as Vittoria said it “unites” people from all backgrounds, which represents New York's diverse population.
New York City offers a diversity of celebrations besides watching the parade. One can ride on the Saint Patrick's Day Cruise and enjoy festive decorations and traditional Irish cuisine. The cruise includes people sailing around Manhattan and experiencing views of the Brooklyn Bridge, Battery Park, and the Statue of Liberty. Local restaurants also play into this holiday with "lucky charms" pancakes at EJ’s Luncheonette, festive themed bagels at Liberty Bagels Midtown, and St. Patrick's Day Cookie Kits at Little Chef Little Cafe. People of all walks can enjoy the festivities of this storied holiday.
There are many different types of people who show up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, so watch out! There are girls covered in sparkles excited to wear yet another costume, men wearing traditional kilts, people who after one too many drinks, and people who took the leprechaun theme too far.
