Thousands of people are expected to gather in towns and cities across Northern Ireland to celebrate St Patrick.
In Belfast the parade starts at City Hall at 13:30 GMT on Sunday.
It follows a circular route around Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place.
In Londonderry it begins at 15:00 at Bishop Street Car Park.
It passes through Shipquay Street, Whitaker Street, Foyle Embankment and Harbour Square Roundabout.
In Downpatrick a pilgrimage walk led by religious leaders from various churches will start at 10:15 from Saul Church to Down Cathedral, followed by a cross-community service and wreath laying at St Patrick’s grave at 11:45.
The parade will begin at Downshire Estate at 13:30.
For a full list of what’s happening across towns in Northern Ireland click here.
Police have warned of traffic disruption in many areas as parades and festivities are held.
- St Patrick’s celebrating ‘creativity and diversity’
On Saturday people gathered on Belfast’s Shankill Road for an early St Patrick’s Day parade.
It was part of a three-day event – the Greater Shankill St Patrick’s Day Festival – which is now in its second year.
It has been described as an effort by the unionist community to reclaim this part of its cultural heritage.
The parade featured a number of loyalist bands.
Meanwhile, in the Republic of Ireland, Dublin is expecting about 500,000 spectators at the parade, which begins at midday.
More than 4,000 people are expected to take part in the parade, including marching bands, performers, dancers and extravagant floats.
The theme for this year is Spréach, the Irish word for spark.
Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is thought to have grown up in Britain in the 5th century AD, during Roman times and to have first come to Ireland as a kidnapped slave.
Once he was free, he became a priest and returned to the country as a missionary.
It is believed he used shamrock to explain the idea of the Holy Trinity to pagans, which is why the clover has become synonymous with St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Some other legends, such as the belief that St Patrick banished snakes from Ireland, have been proven false.
Both Protestants and Catholics claim Patrick as their own, but he lived and worked long before the Reformation.
St Patrick’s Day was originally celebrated as a religious feast to mark his work, but now the day highlights Irish history and culture. It is only marked as a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, but many people around the world get involved in celebrations, even if they have no connection to the country.
- ‘The saint who liked a drink’
- More on St Patrick’s Day
Landmarks around the world, such as the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building, are lit up green – and the Chicago River is traditionally dyed green to mark the day.
An abundance of parades, street parties and céilis (traditional Irish social gatherings involving dancing and music) can also be expected, no matter the weather.
Add Comment