Saint Patrick’s Day has become one of the favorite holidays of recent generations. Whereas in the past it was exclusively a religious festival dedicated to the Patron Saint of Ireland, now many see it as the perfect excuse to drink, but also to enjoy one of the most important parades in the world and other interesting tributes.
Before the celebration this Friday, we clarify some of the most common doubts and talk more about the New York parade and the dyeing of the Chicago River.
When is Saint Patrick’s Day?
Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17 each year, the traditional date of death for Saint Patrick, Ireland’s best-known patron saint.
How was St. Patrick’s Day established?
According to the Church of Ireland, Saint Patrick’s Day became a Christian holiday during the 17th century. Originally it was observed only by the Catholic Church, the Church of Ireland, the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Lutheran Church, but it is now a general holiday that does not necessarily involve religion.
Join EL PAÍS to follow all the news and read without limits.
subscribe
St. Patrick’s Parade in New York
The New York City St. Patrick’s Parade is the oldest parade in the world and one of the largest. The first was held on March 17, 1762, 14 years before the United States Declaration of Independence was signed.
The parade takes place on the same day as St. Patrick’s Day. If March 17 falls on a Sunday, the parade is moved to Saturday the 16th, to avoid intersecting with religious ceremonies.
The parade is held in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York. From its earliest days to the present day, the parade is made up entirely of volunteers, many of whom are from families who have spent months organizing the parade for generations, which is considered the largest and oldest in the world. .
According to the parade’s official website, it is the largest parade in history, which was held in 2002, in honor of the heroes of the tragedy of the attack on the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001. That year 300,000 people attended, and three million spectators watched through Fifth Avenue. That was also the first time that the parade was overseen by the President of Ireland, Mary McAleese.
What time does the St. Patrick’s Parade start in New York?
The parade begins at exactly 11 am, and its route runs along Fifth Avenue, beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street. On his way, he passes St. Patrick’s Cathedral, where Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York, often hangs out.
According to data from the official site, approximately 150,000 people march in the parade, which also attracts the attention of around two million spectators around the world.
What is the best place to stand during the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade?
The parade can be seen from anywhere along Fifth Avenue. The closer you are, the better you can see the parade. For this, it is recommended to arrive early. There is no specific time, but it is better to arrive during the early hours of the day.
Can the parade be canceled due to bad weather?
Throughout its history, the parade has never been canceled due to weather conditions and has marched in different types of weather. If bad weather is forecast, it is recommended to take cover.
How to get tickets for the stands?
There are stands where you can enjoy the parade, and these can be obtained by writing directly to the address of the parade offices. They are delivered on a first-come, first-served basis and may run out.
A letter requesting tickets along with a stamped, self-addressed envelope must be sent to: NYC St Patrick’s Parade, PO Box 295 Woodlawn Station, Bronx, NY 10470. However, they must be requested by March 1.
It should be noted that those who attend the stands should be dressed in “business casual” attire, being a bit formal, since there is an opportunity to meet government officials, members of the clergy or dignitaries.
What streets are closed during the St. Patrick’s Day parade?
Fifth Avenue between 42nd and 86th streets;
Madison Avenue between 63rd and 64th streets;
Madison Avenue between 78th and 86th streets;
Vanderbilt Avenue between 43rd and 46th streets;
43rd Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
44th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
45th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
46th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
47th Street between Park Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
48th Street between Park Avenue and Sixth Avenue;
62nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue;
63rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue;
64th Street between Park Avenue and Fifth Avenue;
72nd Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue;
78th Street between Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue
79th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue;
80th Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue;
81st Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue;
82nd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue;
83rd Street between Fifth Avenue and Park Avenue;
84th Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue;
85th Street between Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue;
St. Patrick’s Day and the dyeing of the Chicago River
While in New York the focus is on the parade, in Chicago people look forward to seeing the Chicago River being dyed green during this celebration, resulting in a river painted in the celebration’s color an emerald green.
Dyeing the Chicago River began in 1962 at the suggestion of a local plumbers union, and has become one of the most famous local events. This is usually done on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day, using a special paint that only lasts a few hours (unlike in the beginning, when it lasted up to a month).
It is not known precisely what the formula to dye the water consists of, since the organizers keep the secret. However, it is noted that it is friendly to the environment and does not affect the water.
