The sun glistened on a mass of Limerick green white and gold as the City celebrated what organisers said was “the largest parade in the country”.
Sixty-thousand spectators lined the streets as University of Limerick founding president, Dr Ed Walsh led out more than 4,000 colourful participants.
One hundred different community groups, companies, bands and sports clubs took part in the two-hour parade.
The theme of this year’s parade was ‘The World in Union’ which celebrated Limerick’s huge community base, its ethnicity and diversity.
Limerick’s multicultural communities were well represented with lively performances from the Filipino, Indian, Eastern European and African communities.
The Latvian community entry, featuring brightly coloured costumes, music, and national symbols of Latvia, took the honours award for Most Entertaining Float.
The country’s tallest hotel, the Clarion, located on the River Shannon in Limerick, is lit up in green at night for the weekend that’s in it.
The CBS Pipe Band from Limerick won Best Musical Performance.
Every flag around the world was represented in the parade bursting colour throughout the festivities.
Other highlights included a performance by the Irish Chamber Orchestra, army marchers, and stilt walkers breathing fire high above the crowds.
Ireland’s largest tricolour was carried by pupils from Villiers school, the 2012 Flag Ambassadors.
“We were blessed that the sun shone and the thousands of spectators on the streets really enjoyed themselves on what has now become Ireland’s largest parade and a real highlight of the year,” said Limerick Mayor, Jim Long.
Meanwhile, more than 1300 musicians, from America and Europe, will take to Limerick’s streets today (Sun) for the 2012 Limerick International Band Championship.