PHILADELPHIA, Pa.— Over 140 groups, including marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups with 15,000 participants, marched through the streets of downtown Philadelphia for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade to celebrate Irish culture on Sunday.
As founded in 1771, Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade is the second oldest parade of any kind in the United States. The parade is usually held on the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day.
Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held on March 12, 2023. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)
Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held on March 12, 2023. (William Huang/The Epoch Times)
Tom Lavelle, one of the board of directors for organizing the parade, says his grandparents are from Ireland. He said St. Patrick’s Day is to preserve the heritage and celebrate the religious holiday….