St. Patrick’s Day NYC

I’ve come to think that New York City is one of the most exciting and accommodating cities in the world for Parades.  New York puts its rich diversity on display every year, with a host of parades honoring many different nationalities.  The St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of them and its said that on St. Patrick’s Day, everyone is Irish.  Certainly, in New York this is true!

“I’m Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.  I’m Italian on Columbus Day.  I’m a New Yorker every day”.  Tamara Tunie

New York's St. Patrick's Day Parade!

New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

The Parade participants march their way up Fifth Avenue from midtown all the way up to 86th St.  On display are the many counties of Ireland represented by flags, banners and people whose heritage dates back to these specific geographic areas in Ireland.  Many of those observing the parade happily cheer the counties their ancestors hail from too.

Bagpipers and their stirring aires!

Bagpipers and their stirring aires!

One of my absolute favorite things about St. Patrick’s Day is the number of bagpipers that come out in full regalia to march in the parade.  All along Fifth Ave., the stirring sounds of blaring bagpipes, drums and flutes fill the air.  It’s a truly unique and moving sight to see!

"Up Mayo!"

“Up Mayo!”

You can imagine that, with a last name of “O’Grady”, I definitely have Irish heritage.  My lineage also includes ancestors from France and England as well.  But I have to admit that I get a huge kick out of observing St. Patrick’s Day and attending the parade whenever possible.  I especially love seeing the County Mayo contingent marching.  That’s the county where my last name comes from.  In Ireland, if you said you were from Mayo, the response apparently was “God Help You”, because the soil was so rocky, it was nearly impossible to grow food there.

I like to think that some of my good traits can be traced back to this wonderful county that challenged my ancestors who learned to prevail and overcome any obstacles in their way.  As they say in Ireland “Up Mayo!”  Take “A Table For One” moment to enjoy a parade!

Copyright 2016 Marion M. O’Grady

All rights reserved

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *