It’s been around for so long you may have forgotten, or perhaps it diminishes as we hear about it yearly. But the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City is incredible. Modern-day St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are likely to be characterized by green beer—all of which have very little to do with the historical figure of the Patron Saint of Ireland.
The March 17th observance began in 1631 when the Church established a Feast Day honoring St. Patrick, who died in the fifth century—centuries before the modern-day version was even thought of!
Throughout its history, the Parade has stayed proper to its dignity. It’s always led by the 69th Infantry Regiment, the “Fighting Irish” which has participated in the Civil War, World War 1 and 2, and subsequent conflicts in the Mideast. Then there’s a couple of Irish wolfhounds to the front. They’re the tallest breed on earth and have been known to be the loyal hunting company to the Irish. Yes, the Parade keeps the decorum. There are no floats and no recorded music but an incredible lineup of marching bands, pipe bands, and drum bands showcasing all the efforts put into preparation. Not to mention the endless marchers of every uniform force in the country.
MARCHING ON
The first Parade was on March 17, 1762—fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Before the American Revolution, British regiments garrisoned New York, and it has been noted that several regiments had solid Irish contingents. Officers of those regiments formed the Society of the Friendly Brothers of St. Patrick, which held celebrations to mark March 17th.
The observers generally consisted of military and civilians who gathered to toast the King and to “the prosperity of Ireland.”
Such celebrations were held at local pub establishments, including Hull’s Tavern. It changed, however, after the Revolutionary War. With peace restored in the new nation, the celebrations resumed with a different focus: Gone were the toasts to the King.
Beginning in 1784, the first St. Patrick’s Day after the British evacuated the city, celebrations were held under the new organization, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, without Tory connections.
Parades continued throughout the early 1800s, often consisting of processions to the Original St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Mott Street. As the Irish population of New York increased during the years of the Great Famine, the number of Irish organizations also swelled.
However, competition sometimes became heated, and in at least one year, 1858, there were competing St. Patrick’s Day parades in New York. The Ancient Order of Hibernians was formed, which has continued to organize to this day.
A MODERN PARADE EMERGES
In 1891, the Ancient Order of Hibernians adopted the parade route up Fifth Avenue. A century later, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Inc. gained control of organizing the parade. The tradition continues with a review by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan from Cathedral steps.
Not to be forgotten, of course, is this year’s Grand Marshall, Maggie Timoney, the first female President and CEO of Heineken USA. She will be only the fifth woman in 262 years to lead the Parade.
Even in this modern era, the tradition continues and is—and always will be—a permanent part of New York City life.