New York City is a city known for it's pardaes, the most famous being the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. Other holidays are just as celebrated, however, with the Halloween Parade in the Village being an annual local favorite and the St. Patricks Day parade down 5th Avenue being one of the oldest of its kind.

The first St. Patrick's Day parade was held in 1762, and has been an annual tradition in the city ever since. It begins on 44nd street and goes north to 86th street. It is one of a very few select parades where no vehicles are allowed - simply marching by groups and organizations. In years past, the number of marchers and bands in the parade have been close to 200,000. The parade route can hold nearly 2 million spectators, and television audiences only increase that number.

In 2009, the parade will be on Tuesday, March 17th and begins at 11 in the morning on 44th street, two blocks north of the Empire State Building.   The marching will continue up 5th avenue and should arrive at the Metropolitan Museum on 86th Street around 4:30 or 5 in the afternoon.

Watching a parade in NYC is certainly an unforgettable experience, and the St. Patrick's Day parade give you an excellent opportunity to participate in an exciting city tradition!

A few tips that can apply to any parade in NYC:

• The further away from the "focal point" of the parade, the more likely you will get a good spot. For this parade, St. Patrick's Cathedral near Rockefeller Center is going to be THE PLACE TO BE. If you want in on the crowds, head there. Otherwise, try near the end of the route up along Central Park.
• Dress warm or be prepared for warm. It's NYC in the spring - it could be 30 degrees or it could be 70 degrees!
• Take a camera!
• Plan on marching yourself - if you have some Irish blood flowing though your veins, look into participating! If anything, it's a nice 4 mile walk up 5th Avenue!
• Learn Gelic - "Nach breá an lá é?"