MANHATTAN — Thousands wearing green gathered Thursday morning to watch the 255th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade make it's way up Fifth Avenue.
They wore green hats and scarves bedecked with shamrocks as kilt-wearing marchers passed blasting bagpipes.
Organizers expected more than 150,000, including Mayor Bill de Blasio who had boycotted the parade until organizers allowed LGBTQ groups into the parade this year, to watch the festivities between 44th Street and 79th Street.
"This is a day of peace and reconciliation. For 25 years, New Yorkers have waited to see everyone come together in unity to support and to celebrate the incredible heritage of Ireland," de Blasio said Thursday before the parade stepped off.
"Today, the city is at peace and unified," the mayor added over the sound of bagpipes warming up.
NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton walked alongside de Blasio, and Governor Andrew Cuomo was also scheduled to march in the parade.
Related: Here's Your Guide to the 2016 St. Patrick's Day Parade in NYC
Some parade-goers traveled from far and wide to see the festivities.
“It’s all inclusive. That’s what the Irish culture is all about," Marina O'Shea, of San Francisco, said of the parade's new policy. "It’s nice that everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”
Klrey Wilson, of Astoria, said it's a "momentous occasion" to see the parade in person.
"Usually on St. Patrick’s day I just have a green beer," the 25-year-old man said.
But not everyone was thrilled.
Dennis Dunn, who painted his face with the Irish flag, held a sign saying "De Blasio Go Home." Dunn said he supported LGBTQ groups marching in the parade but did not like that de Blasio boycotted it last year.
"We don't need you," the 54-year-old from Yonkers said of the Mayor. "It's just when one mayor plays politics with the Irish in this city, we don't appreciate it.
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