Every year since 1965, Staten Island has been home to its own parade celebrating St. Patrick.

According to the Ancient Order of Hibernians, which hosts the Irish-themed event, it is the country’s second-largest St. Patrick’s parade, just behind the annual March 17 fete hosted by our Manhattan neighbor.

Staten Island’s parade is traditionally held on a Sunday in early March, rain or shine.

The event kicked off for the first time from what was then known as Sailors Snug Harbor on Richmond Terrace in Livingston. The march proceeded down Richmond Terrace to Bay Street, passing by Borough Hall in St. George, and concluded at the intersection of Bay Street and Victory Boulevard in Tompkinsville.

That first parade drew 4,000 marchers and 8,000 spectators, but it has since grown dramatically. Now beginning at Hart Boulevard and Forest Avenue in West Brighton, this year’s parade is expected to draw at least 50,000 spectators — in some years there have been as many as 100,000. Approximately 7,000 marchers participate each year.

Revelers stationed along Forest Avenue, many donning green, share a common motto: Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

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