Dublin goes green to celebrate patron saint

Dublin is rapidly turning green as thousands of people stream onto the streets ahead of Monday’s St Patrick’s Day parade.

More than half a million people are expected to be on the city’s streets when the national parade begins in the Irish capital at midday.

It will include more than 4,000 participants, including marching bands from around the world, performers, dancers, and colourful and creative St Patrick’s Day floats.

The city was thronged throughout the weekend as revellers arrived early from all over the world to join the annual celebrations.

A huge logistical operation has also been under way to prepare for the parade and the huge crowds.

Ireland’s Head of State, President Michael D Higgins, will lead the celebrations.

Before the parade, President Higgins and his wife Sabina travelled from Áras an Uachtaráin (official residence of the Irish president) to St Mary’s Pro-Cathedral in the city centre where they are attending a Celebration of the Eucharist.

Following Mass, they will be the guests of honour at the parade.

The theme for this year’s parade is ‘eachtrai’ (adventures), which aims to reflect the adventurous spirit of Ireland, highlighting community, diversity, and inclusion.

A special pageant will celebrate 40 years of the Irish non-governmental organisation (NGO) Pavee Point, showcasing Irish Traveller and Roma traditions.

The main parade will leave Parnell Square and travel along the city’s premier street, O’Connell St, and proceed past the General Post Office (GPO), Trinity College, and St Patrick’s Cathedral before finishing close to St Stephen’s Green.