Philadelphia gears up for St. Patrick's Day parade celebration

In the United States, preparations for the St. Patrick's Day celebrations are at their peak in the Philadelphia area. Final touches are being made ahead of the 253rd annual St. Patrick's Day parade, which is set to take place later today. As part of the tradition, the parade will honor Irish heritage and culture, making it a significant event for the local community. Bill Ivers, a member of the St. Patrick's Day Observance Association, emphasized that the preparations are a year-round effort, stating that the organization has been working diligently to ensure everything is ready for parade day. They have set up bleachers and tents, as well as positioned barricades around the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Parade officials have also prepared to showcase an Irish flag on the museum steps, which is a staple symbol for the event. Ivers noted that this year’s parade is expected to be one of the largest, as it is a day before St. Patrick's Day, and there is a strong festive spirit among the attendees. Businesses along the new route of the parade, which starts at 16th Street and JFK Boulevard and ends at the Art Museum, are anticipating a surge in customers due to the larger-than-usual crowds expected this year. Local bar manager Cristen Dedomenico expressed enthusiasm about the volume of patrons they expect and mentioned their preparations, including stocking up on Guinness beer to meet the anticipated demands. The St. Patrick's Day festivities also include various bar crawls and events throughout the weekend, with the Erin Express bar crawl kicking off yesterday and continuing today. Those unable to attend the parade in person have the opportunity to watch it live on local CBS affiliate channels. Overall, the event symbolizes a cherished tradition that continues to enrich the cultural landscape of Philadelphia while bringing the community together in celebration.