The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on Friday for the 262nd time since the tradition began in 1762. It is the parade’s second year back after a two-year hiatus caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

The parade, which, according to organizers, typically hosts around 250,000 marchers and attracts about two million spectators, will start at 11 a.m. at Fifth Avenue and 44th Street. The grand marshal, Kevin J. Conway, and his aides will lead the march, joined by the Londonderry High School Marching Lancers of New Hampshire.

Here’s what you need to know about this year’s festivities.

Who will broadcast the event?

For the first time, according to organizers, the parade will be televised nationally and internationally through NBC 4 New York, which will be streamed on Peacock, the Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus and Xumo Play.

Coverage will be led by Gus Rosendale, a co-anchor for NBC 4 New York’s “Weekend Today in NY,” and Rana Novini, a reporter with the station. Treasa Goodwin-Smyth of Ireland Calls Radio Show and Tommy Smyth, an ESPN commentator, will also join the broadcast.

Where is the parade?

Marchers will start taking their places around 10:40 a.m. along Fifth Avenue and 44th Street, and end their route at Fifth Avenue and 79th Street.

The best vantage point for spectators, according to organizers, is along Fifth Avenue from 48th Street to 55th Street.

You can find a detailed list of who will be marching and their positions here.

Who will be in the parade?

Local and state officials, including Gov. Kathy Hochul, Mayor Eric Adams and Keechant L. Sewell, the city’s police commissioner, are among those who plan to march.

Several student bands will also take part, including the Xaverian High School Pipes and Drum Corps, the Jackson Liberty High School Band and New York University Pipes and Drums. The Port Authority Police Emerald Society Irish War Pipe Band and the Rockland County Police Emerald Society Pipes & Drums Band are among the other organizations that will participate.

St. Edmund’s Pipes and Drums will play during the last stretch of the parade.

What’s new?

The parade this year will highlight the issue of food insecurity in the city and the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, according to organizers.

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