On March 17, 1762, Irish soldiers serving in the British Army held what is widely considered the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. The march celebrated Irish heritage and Catholic identity at a time when both faced prejudice. Over the years, the parade grew as more Irish immigrants arrived in the United States. It became an important expression of ethnic pride and community. Today, New York’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the world. It reflects how immigrant traditions have become part of broader American culture.
