The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade was held on March 17, 2013 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Despite the bitter cold, an estimated 250,000 Montrealers lined the streets of the city to witness more than 100 organizations that took part in the event with floats and performances for the parade.

Pictured is Michael Kennedy (C) the Grand Parade Marshal of this year's St. Patrick's Day surrounded by other marshals of the parade today in Montreal. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Staff put the finishing touches on the giant effigy of St. Patrick a saint from Ireland who according to legend drove snakes away from Ireland. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

One of the most endearing bands to perform in Montreal's St. Patrick's Day parade is the Black Watch Pipes and Drums that is usually one of the first bands of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

One of the most endearing bands to perform in Montreal's St. Patrick's Day parade is the Black Watch Pipes and Drums that is usually one of the first bands of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Spectators of the parade are encouraged to wear green in honor of the event. Officials of the parade estimate there were more than 250 000 spectators of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Spectators of the parade are encouraged to wear green in honor of the event. Officials of the parade estimate there were more than 250 000 spectators of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Spectators of the parade are encouraged to wear green in honor of the event. Officials of the parade estimate there were more than 250 000 spectators of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Spectators of the parade are encouraged to wear green in honor of the event. Officials of the parade estimate there were more than 250 000 spectators of the parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

The Knights of Columbus was amongst the more than 100 organizations taking part in the Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day parade with some members donning a green variant of their uniform for the occasion. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Fire trucks were also part of the parade including this vintage fire truck from the City of Lachine that was also decorated for the St. Patrick’s Day parade today. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

The marching band of McMaster University was one of many bands that played to the delight of spectators in this year’s Montreal St. Patrick’s Day parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Pictured is a leprechaun on one of the various floats honoring the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Montreal. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Pictured is one of many sporting clubs rooted in the Irish culture including football that has been adopted by Montrealers over the years. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Irish greyhounds are part of the Irish culture and are still raced today in Ireland. The dogs were dressed for the occasion of the Montreal St. Patrick’s Day parade. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)

Traditional Irish dancing is one of the main staples of the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Montreal. (Xinhua/Andrew Soong)