VIEW St Patrick's Day Sydney Parade Photo Gallery.
With Irish Australians comprising close to 10 per cent of Australia's population, it is no wonder that Irish influences and traditions persist to the present day.
There was a time when the Irish Australian population in Australia was of a higher proportion, particularly in the years of early settlement, but migration from more countries all over the world have worked to emphasise the greater multiplicity of cultures and ethnic origins.
Still, the Irish influence is pervasive.
There's a national Irish newspaper (The Irish Echo), Irish clubs and pubs, Guinness, and — of course — St Patrick's Day parades and the wearing of the green.
The Sydney parade
Sydney traditionally holds a St Patrick's Day parade on a weekend close to St Patrick's Day (March 17).
In 2008, the St Patrick's Day parade took place on March 16, and followed the usual route from Liverpool St into George St to pass Sydney Town Hall.
The parade then turned east on Park St passing between Hyde Park North and Hyde Park South before turning north on College St and ending at Hyde Park North.
Floats, dancing girls, and Irish bands featured in the parade which started at noon.
Wearing of the green
St Patrick's Day and the day of the St Patrick's parade are marked with the wearing of green attire, or of clothes with touches of green.
It is not uncommon to find green water spouting from the city fountains.
There's Guinness, of course, and green beer and green desserts, and there's an Irish jig or two, and an Irish gig or two, at the pubs and clubs.
It's all top-o'-the-morning-to-you merriment and wit for as long as the festivities last.
