Hello, I’m David Hill with New York Habitat.  Today we bring you a spontaneous video showing you the sights and sounds of one of New York’s oldest and largest public events, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City!

Click above to watch this video: Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in New York from New York Habitat (3:39)

The parade is held every year on March 17th.  The procession takes place on 5th Avenue, starting at 44th Street and continuing on up to 86th Street.  When I say it’s a large event, I’m not joking!  It’s the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the world.  Every year 2 to 3 million spectators line the sidewalks of 5th Avenue to watch nearly a quarter of a million marchers make their way along this famous stretch of road.  Among the marchers you’ll find police officers, fire fighters, war veterans, religious leaders and, of course, plenty of kilt-wearing men with beating drums and bleating bagpipes.

The parade starts around 11am and finishes around 2 or 3pm.  To see it, you can show up early and get lost in the huge crowds below 59th Street.  If you’d like to avoid the crowds, head to the end of the parade route at 86th St.  There you’ll have an easier time getting a close up view of the marchers as they turn east.  Another good spot would be the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art at 5th Avenue and 82nd Street.

So if you ever get a chance to come to New York in March, make sure you witness this remarkable event.  It’s a true New York experience.  Of course, speaking of true New York experiences, make sure you rent a vacation rental apartment for your stay in New York.  New York Habitat has vacation rentals all around 5th Avenue.

This 1-bedroom furnished apartment in Midtown East in New York (NY-15461) is just a couple minute walk from 5th Avenue.  You’ll find hardwood floors, Cable TV and air conditioning.

We’ve also got this 1-bedroom vacation rental (NY-12330) located on the on the 4th floor of a 6 story converted historic warehouse building.  It is also in Midtown East in New York.

You’ll live like a real New Yorker, locking up your apartment door as you make your way to 5th Avenue to lose yourself in the revelries of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!!