The 248^th annual (yes, you read right, two-hundred and forty-eighth) St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City gives the world permission to be Irish for a day. The Parade’s first march up Fifth Avenue was in 1762, and this year in 2009, the day is still as special. People came all the way from Ireland herself, Argentina, China, and many other countries to honor the patron saint of Ireland.

Partying begins in the morning. Toasts are made with green beer. Four leaf clover and smiling leprechaun stickers are pasted to most store windows, and there are few who don’t wear at least one article of green clothing.

The festivities kicked off at 44^th Street and Fifth Avenue, and bagpipers, bands, and politicians made their way up to 86^th St. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is known as one of the most famous and highly attended parades in New York City, and this year’s parade proved it.