St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th)
5th Avenue from 44th to 86th Street

A great deal of New York’s infrastructure was built “on the backs of the Irish.” Particularly during the 19th century, Irish labor helped build canals, railroads, aqueducts, bridges, and roads not only in the city, but throughout the United States as well. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along 5th Avenue helps to celebrate both Irish culture in New York and the many contributions that the Irish have made to the city. The history of this parade can be traced back to 1766, when Irish soldiers in the British colonies marched to show their native colors. Today nearly 200,000 people march in the parade each year.