Irish nationalist groups active in the U.S. – the Fenians, Clan na Gael and, later, Irish Northern Aid – participated in these American St. Patrick’s Day parades, proudly wearing green to demonstrate their nationalism and the connection to past nationalist groups such as the United Irish.

With vibrant green hues of St. Patrick’s Day approaching, revelers are gearing up for one of the city’s most cherished traditions: the 264th New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade is set to kick off on Monday,

Here’s why "St. Paddy's" is spelled that way, the origin of wearing green and which historic Florida town held the first American St. Patrick's Day parade.