The St Patrick's Day parade in New York captivated crowds on Monday.

Dramatic footage shows the lively annual event, which featured marching bands on March 17.

Local media reported that approximately two million spectators gathered to watch over 150,000 participants.

The procession began at 11 am and concluded around 4:30 pm, following the same route along Fifth Avenue, from East 44th Street to East 79th Street.

The tradition of celebrating the Patron Saint of Ireland and the Archdiocese of New York dates back to before the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with the inaugural parade taking place 14 years earlier on March 17, 1763.

St. Patrick's Day is observed annually on the traditional death date of Ireland's patron saint and has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage.