St. Patrick’s Day Parades Bring Irish Pride to New York and Beyond/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Cities across the United States and beyond are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2025 with parades, music, and Irish pride. New York City’s Fifth Avenue parade, one of the largest and oldest in the U.S., features 150,000 marchers. Meanwhile, Savannah, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia are hosting their own events, with Chicago’s green-dyed river being a fan favorite. Across the Atlantic, Dublin leads Ireland’s celebrations, marking the feast day of St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint.

St. Patrick’s Day 2025: Quick Looks
- NYC’s Parade Turns 264: The Fifth Avenue parade remains one of the oldest in U.S. history.
- 150,000 Marchers in NYC: School bands, Irish pipe ensembles, and NYPD delegations join the festivities.
- Major U.S. Celebrations: Savannah, Chicago, Boston, and Philadelphia host large events.
- Chicago Goes Green: The Chicago River was dyed bright green on Saturday for its annual tradition.
- Ireland Joins the Fun: Dublin leads a three-day St. Patrick’s Festival, with Liverpool and other cities celebrating.
- Historical Significance: Irish immigrants popularized the celebrations in the 19th century despite facing discrimination.
- NYC’s Grand Marshal: Michael Benn, chairman of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Parade, leads the New York procession.

St. Patrick’s Day 2025: NYC Parade Leads Festivities Across the Globe
The streets of New York City and other major U.S. cities are filled with shamrocks, bagpipes, and Irish pride as St. Patrick’s Day 2025 is celebrated with boisterous parades and cultural events.
New York’s 264th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Where: Fifth Avenue, Manhattan
- When: Monday, March 17, 2025
- Who’s Participating: 150,000 marchers, including:
- School marching bands
- Irish pipe and drum ensembles
- The New York Police Department and local organizations
- NYC Mayor, Governor, and other politicians
The NYC parade dates back to 1762—14 years before the U.S. Declaration of Independence—making it one of the longest-running parades in American history.
Other Major U.S. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
While New York’s parade is the largest, several other U.S. cities are marking the occasion with historic traditions:
Chicago, IL: The city dyed the Chicago River green on Saturday, continuing its famous annual tradition.
Boston, MA: One of the most Irish cities in the U.S., Boston held its parade on Sunday, featuring Irish step dancers and local dignitaries.
Philadelphia, PA: The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade also took place Sunday, drawing thousands.
Savannah, GA: Known for one of the country’s most spirited celebrations, Savannah is hosting a parade Monday.
Global Celebrations: Ireland & Beyond
Dublin, Ireland: The Irish capital is wrapping up a three-day St. Patrick’s Festival, featuring:
- A massive parade through the city center
- Traditional Irish music and dance performances
- Festivities celebrating Ireland’s cultural heritage
Liverpool, England: A city heavily influenced by Irish immigration, Liverpool hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the UK.
A Celebration Rooted in History
Irish immigrants popularized St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. during the 19th century, despite facing discrimination at the time. Today, the parades symbolize Irish pride and heritage for millions.
What’s Next?
Whether you’re in New York, Chicago, or Dublin, St. Patrick’s Day 2025 is filled with festivities, music, and Irish pride. With parades continuing throughout the day, it’s time to wear green, enjoy some Irish music, and celebrate!
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