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