Thousands Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Parades Across New York, New Jersey

St. Patrick's Day parades across the northeastern United States have been lively celebrations of Irish heritage. In East Islip, New York, the 60th annual parade featured Irish dance students, bagpipers, and members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, reflecting the town's strong Irish-American roots (Newsday). Staten Island's 61st parade saw thousands braving freezing temperatures to celebrate the Irish culture, with the event marked by the inclusion of the Pride Center of Staten Island for the first time (SILive.com). In Gloucester City, New Jersey, the community gathered for its annual parade, with music and costumes emphasizing family traditions and the communal spirit (CBS News Philadelphia). Meanwhile, the Belmar-Lake Como parade in New Jersey boasted 6,700 participants, including 17 bagpipe bands, marking the start of a series of parades honoring St. Patrick (NJ.com). These events highlight the enduring cultural pride and community spirit associated with St. Patrick's Day celebrations across different regions.