(Reuters) – New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned to life after a gap of two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, thousands of people gathered in emerald-green marchers cheered by kilt-clad supporters as they marched down Manhattan’s Fifth Avenue.

The revelers weren’t kept away by rain and gray skies.

Patrick Delaney, a local resident said that it was the “best thing” for New York. “It’s what we needed, a boost to get our focus and lift our spirits.”

To celebrate Irish heritage, musicians, politicians, and marching bands played bagpipes.

Parade stopped at noon. It then turned to the south toward Ground Zero, where it paused for a minute of silence to commemorate the 20th anniversary the Sept 11 World Trade Center attacks.

Letitia James of New York, Attorney General said that it was a “great day” and added that she is honored to be “an honorary Irish person”.

Visitors from all over the world attended the parade which began at 44th Street on Fifth Avenue.

Laura Taeny said, “We came to Ireland to celebrate and to see this parade, we’ve heard so many about it.” We haven’t been to a parade for two years so it’s exciting to finally be able to see one.

Other people came from nearer home.

Justine Pacheco of Nassau County in New York said that “after two years without this, it is great to be back.”