Philly St. Patrick’s Day parade kicks off in Center City, with Irish dance and music

Irish heritage will be on display Friday, for the annual the St. Patrick’s Day Parade that starts in Center City.

Theparadestarts at noon, and will be around City Hall, continuing east on Market Street to Penn’s Landing.

Marchers will stop at Independence Mall to watch performances of traditional Irish dances and music.

The Irish in Philadelphia first celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in 1771, making this year the 246th such celebration.