BY: Liliana Rocio, Senior Editor for World Liberty TV, 44 St & 5th Ave NYC  March 17^th 2026

The New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world. The first parade was held on March 17, 1762 — fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

The parade is held annually on March 17th at precisely 11:00 AM in honor of St. Patrick, the Patron Saint of Ireland and of the Archdiocese of New York.

The parade route goes up Fifth Avenue beginning at East 44th Street and ending at East 79th Street. Approximately 150,000 people march in the parade which draws about 2 million spectators.

From its earliest days, right up to the present, the New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade has been run entirely by volunteers, many of whom come from generations of families dedicated to the organization of the parade.

It takes months of preparation and countless hours to run the world’s oldest and largest parade. We could not do it without the commitment of these great women and men.

The NYC Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a registered 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. When March 17 falls on a Sunday, the Parade is held on March 16 for religious observances.

This year’s grand marshal was Bob McCann, co-chair of New Edge Capital Group and owner of Forest Creek Golf Club in North Carolina.

McCann, whose ancestors hail from County Armagh on the Emerald Isle, was plucked to lead the event because of his three decades of service as a board member of New York City’s Irish Arts Center, where he advocates for a strengthened cultural and civic relationship between Ireland and the US.

“This parade is made up of the counties of Ireland that are here in America, all 32 are here,” said President Kathleen Keegan Mattessich, 79. “This parade is heritage. We’re representing our country here and there in Ireland.”

The sound of bagpipes echoed off towering buildings as the parade kicked off at 44th Street and 5th Avenue, setting the tone for a day filled with celebration, culture, and community spirit, as participants joyfully shouted, “Erin go Bragh.”

Politicians and dignitaries, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Attorney General Letitia James, and Cardinal Timothy Dolan, marched up Fifth Avenue, waving to onlookers before making their traditional stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Outside the cathedral, Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks beamed as he greeted dignitaries during his first parade appearance.

With open arms, and even trying on a green hat, albeit briefly, he smiled warmly at the crowd and press.

The parade culminated at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street at 4:40 p.m., leaving behind a trail of music, memories, and unmistakable Irish pride.

The parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, following the traditional route along Fifth Avenue in Manhattan.

The procession typically continues until around 4:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., depending on how quickly the marching groups move through the course.

Starting at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, the parade travels north for roughly 1.5 miles, passing the iconic St. Patrick’s Cathedral around 50th Street before concluding at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street.

This route has remained largely unchanged for decades, allowing families to return to the same viewing spots year after year while creating a sense of continuity with generations of parade-goers who came before.

Unlike many modern parades filled with elaborate floats, New York’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration maintains its focus on marching groups and organizations that represent Irish heritage and American civic pride.

The 2026 parade marks 264 years of continuous celebration, making it not just the oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, but one of America’s most enduring cultural traditions.

Starting in 1762 — 14 years before the Declaration of Independence — this parade has witnessed the entire span of American history while maintaining its core mission of celebrating Irish heritage and community connection.

The event’s longevity speaks to both the deep roots of Irish culture in New York and the parade’s ability to evolve while preserving its essential character. Each year, new generations of Irish-Americans and other New Yorkers join the celebration, ensuring the tradition continues for future centuries.

The parade’s impact extends far beyond a single day in March, serving as a symbol of how immigrant communities have shaped American culture while maintaining connections to their ancestral homes.

Breakfast and Lunch was held at Gracie Mansion, where Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s team put it together in   honor of St Patrick’s day.

A service took place at St Patricks Cathedral , which was packed out by hundreds of parade goers, newly appointed Archbishop Ronald A. Hicks, conducted the Mass, bestowed a blessing on the organizers of the parade and the people in attendance.

Close to 2 million people were watching and 150 thousand marching from the USA and Ireland. See more coverage of 265th NYC ST Patrick’s Day Parade  March 17th 2026, in our World Liberty TV, Political Channels by clicking here.