263rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade in NYC

The weather and Irish eyes were all smiles as the 263rd St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicked off on 44th Street and 5th Avenue to make its way up along the Avenue to 78th Street.

This year’s parade was held on the 16th since the actual St. Patrick’s Day on March 17 falls on a Sunday, and according to parade tradition, the parade has to be held on the Saturday before to observe the Sabbath.

Thousands lined up along 5th Avenue, decked out in shamrock green attire and waving Irish flags, cheering on marching bands, dance and community groups, the large NYPD and FNDY Irish contingent, the usual slew of politicians, and branches of the U.S. armed forces.

grand St. Patrick's Day Parade through Manhattan — Margaret “Maggie” Timoney, was this year’s parade grand marshal. Photo by Gabriele Holtermann

Margaret “Maggie” Timoney, President & CEO of Heineken USA, was this year’s parade grand marshal. Timoney shared with amNewYork that it was humbling to be the grand marshal of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“I’m in awe, actually,” Timoney said. “It actually feels surreal. I feel really blessed and very fortunate.”

Timoney is only the sixth female grand marshal in the parade’s history. She said she was surprised when she learned she’d been chosen to head the parade, which dates back to 1762.

“I’m very lucky to represent the aides here, who do all of the unselfish work around the 14 counties,” Timoney said. “They do all the volunteer work. They’re the ones who put in all the work, and I just got the chance to march with them today.”

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry told amNewYork that he was excited about the parade but admitted that it was too bad that he wasn’t dressed all in green — though he did sport a green four-leave clover on his jacket.

“In my new role now, I have to make sure that in the operational role that number one, our cops are out there and people can see them,” Daughtry said. “We want to make sure people see our cops; we want to make sure people feel safe. Secondly, I want also to enjoy myself. I want the cops to enjoy the parade.”

New Jersey resident Paul Lebo was looking forward to seeing the bagpipers and everyone marching together in unity. It was Lebo’s first time attending the St. Pat’s Day Parade in New York City.

“First one, I finally made it. It had been on my bucket list for many years,” Lebo said.

German Christoph Seidel was in town for business, and it was a lucky coincidence that the parade happened while he was in New York City. Seidel said he was happy to see the parade because he loves the Irish.

“I believe all Germans love the Irish,” Seidel said. “They are very friendly, funny people. They drink a lot, so what could we have against them?”