The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade was held Sunday, as marching bands, Irish dancers, and cultural groups all made their way down Market Street in the time-honored tradition.Philadelphia celebrated St. Patrick Sunday, as the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place Sunday. From music and dancing, to messages of peace, thousands of people filled the streets of Center City in celebration of all things Irish.
"They’re going to bring peace," said Tara Hofmann of McHugh School of Irish Dance. "When we do our skit, we’ll be handing out the daisies and it will turn all of the negativity into positivity." Avery Beck and her friends at Rince Ri Irish Dance in Southampton walked and danced in the parade. The 8-year-old said she’s been busy practicing the last two weeks.The Irish in Philadelphia first celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in 1771, five years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence."We always love coming down into the city for the parade and it’s just great seeing all the bands, seeing all the dancing groups," said A.J. Ford.