Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Many New York City residents will spend today drinking a pint with their friends or watching the parade along Fifth Avenue. While these celebrations are a great way to honor the day, we’ve decided to dive deeper into some St. Patrick’s Day History in New York City. That starts with understanding the history of Irish populations throughout the five boroughs.
Irish Americans in New York City
Today, Irish people make up 5.3% of the population in New York City. That’s over 400,000 people! When Europeans came over to the United States during the Colonial period, some Irish people joined along. However, the population witnessed a significant migration after the Irish Famine in 1845.
Historically Irish Neighborhoods in NYC
Irish Catholic Americans settled into various boroughs throughout the city, mainly finding themselves throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Immigrants in early New York City often lived together in buildings, fitting multiple people into rooms and taking advantage of space as needed. Irish and Italian immigrants lived in Bay Ridge, also the filming location for Saturday Night Fever. Today’s residents will spot numerous Irish businesses and cultural establishments in the neighborhood.
There were a couple of Queens neighborhoods that also welcomed Irish people, including Astoria and Woodhaven.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade History
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of New York City’s longest-standing traditions, dating back to 1762. While today’s American audience may be less sympathetic to the original Irish members of the British Army, this group of soldiers celebrated the opportunity to freely speak Irish and sing their music. Military units organized and held the event for several decades, marching past the Old. St. Patrick’s Cathedral on the corner of Mott and Prince Streets.
Special Parades
Every once in a while, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade slightly deviates from its normal programming for special events. In 2002, they honored the heroes of 9/11 by stopping for two minutes of silence, turning to face the location of the Twin Towers, and conducting a prayer. It was one of the largest parades in history, with three million attendees lining the streets.
The Parade held its 250th anniversary in 2011 by welcoming author Mary Higgins Clark as the Grand Marshal. They later celebrated the Ireland 2016 Century Year.
The Parade Today
Today, volunteers spend months planning and organizing the parade. It begins at 11:00am every year and occurs on the 16th if the holiday falls on a Sunday. Attendees will watch the 69th Regiment lead the procession, followed by numerous Irish societies and schools.
Who Is St. Patrick, Anyway?
The namesake figure of this festive holiday is one of the most prominent figures of Christianity. His death day, March 17th 461 A.D., is now St. Patrick’s Day. Similar to most figures of the time, his life holds several mysteries. However, historians suggest that after spending time in Ireland in his early years and returning home to Great Britain, St. Patrick heard voices pleading him to return to the country. He became a bishop, arrive in Ireland, and spread religious messaging for the remainder of his life.
His legacy evolved, and many people today picture him as the man who drove reptiles out of the country. St. Patrick’s Day began as a celebration in the United States in 1601, and evolved into a showing of strength from persecuted Irish immigrants. Today, many people use the holiday to celebrate Irish heritage. While St. Patrick is an important part of St. Patrick’s Day history in New York City, the people who lived here made it the longstanding tradition it is today. It’s a popular holiday in other areas of the country with strong Irish immigrant ties, including Boston and Chicago.
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day Today
Modern New York City residents and tourists can participate in plenty of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Ready to join this classic tradition? Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade offers something special every year. This year’s parade begins at 11:00am and runs between East 44th Street and East 79th Street. Attendees can join the two million spectators to watch 150,000 people march along Fifth Avenue. Expect plenty of bagpipes and Irish cheer!
Visit an Irish Pub
There are numerous Irish pubs to visit throughout the five boroughs, and they’ll be in full swing for the holiday. Consider finding one featuring a bagpipe performance! You won’t be able to hear your friends speaking over the noise, but you can still enjoy a drink.
Find a Spot: 5 Best Irish Pubs in NYC
Visit St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral (The Basilica)
Before or after watching the parade, take a stop in St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral. This ornate building is over 200 years old and offers several 90-minute tours throughout the day. Visitors can walk the graveyards that are not accessible to the public, explore the church, and view the catacombs underneath the Basilica. The underground crypts are the final resting place for historic high-profile New Yorkers, including merchants, lawyers, and Civil War generals.
Conclusion
Whether you’re descended from Irish immigrants, or just looking to hangout with your friends at the local pub, St. Patrick’s Day is a celebrated holiday in the United States. New York City residents and tourists have plenty of festivities to choose from, including watching the procession along Fifth Avenue.