Dressed in everything from green shoes and hats to green socks and hair, an estimated 100,000 spectators came from all over the United States to celebrate the Irish culture at the 161st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Francisco.

The day-long festivities took place last Saturday in Oakland’s downtown Civic Center Plaza.

The parade began at 11:30 a.m. at the corner of Second and Market Street and continued for almost a mile and a half, ending by Civic Center Plaza where the St. Patrick’s Day Festival was located.

The parade continued for almost three hours, showcasing over 100 floats and included 5,000 participants from Irish communities all over the country.

It began with an honorable flag ceremony with marching Irish bagpipers dressed in their finest pressed kilts walking alongside floats, paying tribute to previous Grand Marshals.

“I live in San Francisco and have never come out to the parade, but after the passing of my brother, I feel it is more important for me now than ever to deal with my Irish heritage,” said a teary-eyed San Francisco resident Patricia Healy. “It’s a lot of fun to see the bagpipers and the little girl step dancers. This festival gives me a chance to celebrate who I am.”

This year’s parade was hosted by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco (UNISSF), which stands to “preserve and perpetuate democratic principles,” “enlist the goodwill and cooperation” to support these principles and “coordinate the functions of member societies” through calendared events to promote Irish people, according to its website.

The deep sounds of drums, saxophones, flutes and trumpets filled the air as marching bands engaged the spectators. The Humboldt State University Marching Band attracted most of the energy from the crowd.

Many different groups were represented in this year’s parade, including multiple Irish dance troupes, schools, the Society of Irish Engineers, labor unions, youth organizations and even San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee made an appearance.

Various police and fire departments marched in the parade as well, including San Francisco Police Department, the San Francisco S.W.A.T. team and the Oakland Fire Department.

The children definitely stole the show during the parade. There were hundreds of children dressed in their finest Irish attire who showcased their well-rehearsed instrumental abilities and traditional dance moves.

The crowd at the family-friendly festival was diverse and the atmosphere was full of life and activity, as people from all cultures were dancing, eating and mingling with one another.

With pony rides, a play area, mechanical rides and a face-painting area, the children attending the event were definitely entertained.

“I love the music, love and most importantly the opportunity the festival gives people to come out and just let go of themselves,” said festival attendee Jaston Hernandez. “Today we can come out and have a day with our family and friends, to concentrate on the beauty and history of this culture.”

Cultural activities, live entertainment, art and food highlighted the essence of the Irish culture and their presence here in the Bay Area.

Near San Francisco’s City Hall, the musical performances of “Those Manning Bhoys,” “Flynn & Murphy Irish Dancers” and “Black Eyed Depseys” on the main stage was a center of activity.

The great variety and number of food vendors and the mouth-watering aromas, including garlic fries, smoked turkey legs, fried catfish and funnel cakes, kept festival-goers engaged.

“The parade allows us to embrace each other, no matter what your ethnic background may be,” said Hernandez. “It’s not even about the people, it’s a celebration of a culture.”