St. Patrick's Day Parade Older Than America: Phun Philly Phacts

PHILADELPHIA — The city's annual St. Patrick's Day is older than America.

Philly's parade came years before "The Declaration of Independence," the crack in The Liberty Bell, and The Continental Congress soaking up suds at The City Tavern.

When there were still territories under British rule, people in the City of Philadelphia wanted to celebrate their Irish heritage.

So they put together the first St. Patrick's Day Parade in 1771, marking over 250 years of celebration that continues to this day.

Sunday's parade and festivities will commemorate 250 years of Irish contributions to the United States. Click here for parade details

Philly's parade, though, isn't even the oldest in the land. New York City holds that title.

George Washington, a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, actively encouraged Irish American patriots to join his colonial army.

Over the years, these celebrations reflected the times with several themes emerging — religious, patriotism honoring military service, remembrance of the political struggles in Ireland, and a celebration of Irish culture.

Philadelphia Irishmen suffered with Washington at Valley Forge, fought with him at the Battle of Germantown, and fought again in 1812 and in the Civil War to preserve the nation.

In the hard work to build Philadelphia's great industries, the Irish bore a heavy burden of labor.

They have lived in the city's neighborhoods along with the people of other backgrounds since the city's beginning, and they have helped to build the churches, schools, libraries and fine institutions that are the city's treasures.

But, even more, the Irish have added a vigor and lively spirit to the life of the city. They celebrate St. Patrick's Day with prayer, parades, and parties because they know that to celebrate your heritage in public is a rightful thing in democracy. They celebrate with a parade, because the parades are a community festival that people of all ages can enjoy, states a website devoted to the parade's history and origins.

Click here to learn more about the parade's history

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