Beating drums heralded the start of today's St Patrick’s May Festival parade which sees the culmination of a weekend packed with fun and frolics in honour of the original Irish Saint.
One of 14 bands opened the parade and together with 11 street theatre groups they are expected to bring to life the festival's theme, 'FUSION'.
Festival Artistic Director, Mr Dominic Campbell said the idea behind 'FUSION' is an attempt to combine the old and new traditions of parades in Ireland.
"Whatever your favourite tradition may be the most important thing is joining in. The unique atmosphere of a St Patrick's Festival Parade is created by the special blend of performers, communities, sponsors and above all the audience reaction on the day", he said.
And so far the applauding audience gathered along the parade route from St Stephen's Green, through Westmoreland Street, up O'Connell Street to Dorset Street, have seemed delighted with the vintage cars and marching bands.
The parade is expected to finish at 4 p.m. when a ceílí at College will end the party weekend in swinging fashion.
Traffic will be diverted away from the parade route between 9 a.m. from St Stephens Green and 11a.m. to 4 p.m. from all other areas.The Parade route restrictions will cover the following areas:
St. Stephen's Green East, West, South & North
Dawson Street
Molesworth Street
Kildare Street
Cuffe Street
Kevin St Upper & Lower
Patrick Street
Nicholas Street
Christ Church
Lord Edward Street
Dame Street
College Green
Westmoreland Street
O'Connell Street
Parnell Square South & West
Granby Row
Western Way