New York City hosted its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2016, bringing together hundreds of thousands of marchers in one of the largest American celebrations of Irish heritage.

The six-hour procession of green-clad marchers up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick’s Cathedral, is one of the city’s oldest events. The 258th edition of New York City’s parade was expected to draw more than 1 million spectators to watch 200,000 spirited marchers, including more than 100 bands.

Members of the Fire Department Color Guard carry flags and march up Fifth Avenue during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York on March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Two youngsters hold up signs for marchers during the St. Patrick's Day Parade; March 16, 2019 in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the FDNY EMS Pipes and Drums marches in the 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

People show off shamrock eyewear along Fifth Ave. during the St. Patrick's Day Parade; March 16, 2019 in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the NYPD Emerald Society march in the 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A banner reading "England get out of Ireland" has been carried in the parade since the 1940s. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the FDNY Color Guard are prepared to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A youngster waves a flag while marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019 in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the Fire Department of New York Color Guard await the start of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A woman takes a selfie with friends during a break while marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City, March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A flag of Ireland passes through the sunlight during the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Grand Marshal of the 2019 NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Dr. Brian O’Dwyer waves to the crowds at the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York.(Photo by Gordon Donovan)

The NYPD Emerald Society Pipe and Drums march during the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A woman shows off her Irish gloves while marching in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the FDNY Emerald Society Band begin to march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the FDNY Color Guard march in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

New York State Courts Pipes and Drums march during the St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 16, 2019, in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

A performer marches in the St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16, 2019 in New York. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)

Members of the Fire Department Color Guard carry flags and march up Fifth Avenue during the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York on March 16, 2019. (Photo by Gordon Donovan)