NEW YORK (AP) - Dancing Dubliners and New York City paradegoers wearing kilts and green body paint are leading the world in celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
As many as a quarter-million marchers headed up Manhattan's Fifth Avenue on Wednesday for the world's oldest and largest parade commemorating the saint.
Crowds are also gathering along sun-warmed parade routes in Dublin and cities around the country to mark the emerald-hued holiday.
The embrace of Irish heritage and culture in New York City includes bands, bagpipes and grand marshal Ray Kelly, the city's police commissioner.
The extravaganza will be the last of New York City's world-famous parades to take place before new restrictions go into effect April 1 requiring all parades to be shorter to save money.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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