Saint Patrick, who was born in the late 4th century, was one of the most successful Christian missionaries in history. Born in Britain to a Christian family of Roman citizenship, he was taken prisoner at the age of 16 by a group of Irish raiders who attacked his family’s estate. They transported him to Ireland, and he spent six years in captivity before escaping back to Britain. Believing he had been called by God to Christianize Ireland, he joined the Catholic Church and studied for 15 years before being consecrated as the church’s second missionary to Ireland. Patrick began his mission to Ireland in 432, and by his death in 461, the island was almost entirely Christian.
Early Irish settlers to the American colonies, many of whom were indentured servants, brought the Irish tradition of celebrating St. Patrick’s feast day to America.
The first recorded St. Patrick's Day parade was held not in Ireland but in New York City in 1762, and with the dramatic increase of Irish immigrants to the United States in the mid-19th century, the March 17th celebration became widespread.
Here in Rochester, NY, our St. Patrick’s Day Parade is held annually usually the weekend of or before St. Patrick’s Day. On average, 40,000 - 60,000, Irish faithful, and those pretending to be, turn out each year for this hometown favorite regardless of the weather. In 2012, there were approximately 150,000+ spectators on a 72o day at the TOPS Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade. A spectacle for sure!
The Ugly Disco www.uglydisco.com committee, which we are part of each year, loves walking in the parade to promote the Ugly Disco. We are very excited to go back to our roots and have a great time for a great cause – one near and dear to our hearts - Golisano Children’s Hospital.
Contact us at 585-482-8780 or www.arlenescostumes.com for all of your St. Patrick’s Day and Parade needs including hats, beads, hair color, wigs, costumes, beards, tutus, socks and stockings and more!
http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/first-st-patricks-day-parade