| Celebrated annually across the globe on March 17, St | | | | Organised by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the St |
| Patrick's Day is one of the world's most popular | | | | Patrick's Day Parade has attracted more than a little |
| celebrations. Its significance originates in Ireland as a | | | | controversy in its time. For instance, the Ancient |
| Catholic feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick, the | | | | Order of Hibernians has often opted to appoint |
| patron saint of Ireland. However, in more recent | | | | controversial Irish Republican figures as its Grand |
| times, St Patrick's Day has taken on an altogether | | | | Marshall; what's more, the group recently banned gay |
| more global and secular significance, with St Patrick's | | | | and lesbian groups from participating in the parade. As |
| Day celebrations being held around the world in | | | | a result of this, alternative St Patrick's Day parades, |
| various forms. | | | | such as The Queens parade, have been organised by |
| In the United States, people traditionally celebrate St | | | | opposing groups; the Queens parade, for instance, is |
| Patrick's Day by wearing green garments, drinking | | | | open to all groups who wish to march on St Patrick's |
| alcohol that's been dyed green or indulging in other | | | | Day. |
| Irish themed activities. Many American cities put on | | | | But whatever parade you choose to go and see, |
| St Patrick's Day parades, including Cleveland, Boston | | | | New York City is truly the place to be on St Patrick's |
| and Kansas City; however the largest St Patrick's | | | | Day. With green bagels, green flowers, green hats |
| Day Parade in the United States - and the world - is | | | | and clothes a frequent sight on the day of the St |
| held in New York City and is said to be watched by | | | | Patrick's Day Parade, New Yorkers tend to frequent |
| over two million people. | | | | local Irish pubs and drink Irish beers and liquors in |
| The first St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City | | | | celebration of the festival, which now takes on both |
| was held in 1766, when Irish soldiers marched through | | | | religious and secular significance. And with plenty of |
| the city, and in 2006, more than 150,000 people | | | | affordable hotels in New York City to choose from, |
| marched in the St Patrick's Day Parade. Among those | | | | you won't be stuck for accommodation in the city if |
| participating in the event were bands, members of | | | | you choose to visit on St Patrick's Day. After all, how |
| the fire department, social and cultural clubs in the | | | | could you possibly resist the unique opportunity to |
| city, emigrant societies and military and police groups. | | | | eat a green New York bagel and drink a glass of |
| Furthermore, prominent New York politicians, and | | | | dyed-green Guinness while basking in the emerald |
| those planning to run for office frequently appear in | | | | glow of the Empire State Building? |
| the St Patrick's Day Parade. | | | | |