We here at Tom Crimmins Realty, hope you have a happy and safe St. Patricks Day!
This year on March 5, 2017, Staten Island held its 53rd annual St.Patrick's Day parade. This yearly commemoration of Irish culture brought together about 50,000 spectators, wearing classic green attire and indulging in Irish foods and drinks.
History of St. Patricks Day
For those who don't know, St. Patrick's Day takes place on March 17th in observance of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Originally, this day began as a religious feast, however, it has evolved into a worldwide celebration involving parades, festivals, foods, and music. The Irish have celebrated this religious holiday for over 1,000 years, as it has been the legend that St. Patrick explained the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) using the three leaves of the shamrock. People then began to observe the Roman Catholic feast day of St. Patrick on March 17th, and the first parade was surprisingly in New York City on March 17, 1762. Irish soldiers serving in the English military paraded through NYC, showcasing and reconnecting with their Irish culture.
Within the next 35 years, Irish patriotism thrived, promoting the formation of "Irish Aid" societies such as Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick and the Hibernian Society, each holding separate parades. A while after, in 1848 Several Irish Aid societies finally decided to unite their parades into one, which is now the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade. It is now one of the oldest and largest civilian parades, with over 150,000 participants in the parade and about 2 million spectators.
Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds, especially in places like the Unites States, Canada, and Australia. Although the day first emerged as a religious occasion, St. Patrick's Day now sets out to show Irish culture to people all throughout the world. In Dublin, their annual St. Patrick's festival, is a multi-day celebration bringing together over 1 million people, to participate in parades, concerts, outdoor theater productions, and firework shows.
Fun Facts on Staten Island's Parade and St. Patrick's Day
- The parade is usually held two Sundays before St. Patrick's Day.
- 2013 was the last time the parade was actually held on St. Patrick's Day. Before that was 2002, and 1996 before that.
- More than 150 organizations and 20 Bands are a part of the parade.
- Staten Island is home to more than 62,484, or 15% of Irish in the city.
- Contrary to common belief, blue is actually the color associated with St. Patrick.
- "Erin go Bragh," meaning "Ireland Forever," is a common phrase you might hear at a St. Patrick's Day parade.
- 2017's Grand Marshal, from NYC's parade, is Michael J. Dowling.
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