Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade 2017

The Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade was on March 26, 2017 in Brooklyn. By the name of the event it is clear that it was held in our district, in Bay Ridge. It began near our house. Therefore, despite the cold weather and the fact that we shoot it for the third time, we decided to continue the tradition anyway.

How and why do people celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Bay Ridge? This cultural and religious holiday began to be celebrated in the US in the 18th century. It always celebrates on the day of the death of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It is vividly noted at Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, since, it is the Italian-Irish area, and here are many immigrants with Irish roots. Few weeks before the celebration, green accessories, badges and pendants in the form of clover and even a clover plant in pots began to be sold already. This "happiness" are decorated with houses and streets. People also started to wear green clothes or, at least, elements of green.

St Patrick's Day history. The exact name and time of the birth of the future Saint are unknown. The only information that has survived is that he was born in Britain in the family of a priest. Moreover, a very devout young man never was. At the age of 16, the boy was kidnapped by the Irish bandits and sold into slavery. There he was given a derisive nickname, Patrick, knowing about his aristocratic past. During next 6 years Patrick had to graze sheeps in any bad weather and ... pray for salvation. At that time, Patrick believed in God. Shortly before the rescue, Patrick saw a prophetic dream of returning to his homeland. Already in Britain, he will be trained and become a bishop. And later, Patrick will return to Ireland as a preacher and take an active part in the Christianization of this country.