Half million people attend St. Patrick's Day parades in Dublin
Xinhua, March 18, 2015 Adjust font size:
About half a million people attended the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin on Tuesday.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins and his wife Sabina also participated the parade. Higgins said it was a day of pride for Irish people and those of Irish descent all over the world.
The theme of this year's parade is "Celebrate Now" in recognition of Ireland's achievements in contemporary arts and culture. Featuring performers from home and abroad, it was led by the Grand Marshal, the comedian Brendan O'Carroll.
The parade started at city center's Parnell Square and was travelling to O'Connell Street, Westmoreland Street, Dame Street and Lord Edward Street, before finishing up near St Patrick's Cathedral.
Meanwhile, thousands of people attend parades in Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford and many other towns and communities across the country.
St. Patrick's Day is a celebration held on March 17, the death date of Saint Patrick, a patron saint of Ireland. It is a public holiday in Ireland and widely celebrated by Irish communities around the world. Enditem