St. Patrick's Day Parade

The St. Patrick's Day parade in Southie is a longstanding Bostonian tradition. First celebrated in 1737, its current incarnation has been running every year since 1901. Held on the Sunday closest to Evacuation Day, or March 17th, the parade celebrates Irish history, veterans, and the expulsion of the British from the city of Boston in 1776. Attendance at the parade is very high due to so many Bostonians claiming Irish ancestry, combined with the fact that it's an official city holiday. Often, close to one million people will all cram into Southie to attend the event. Check ahead for the starting time, and plan to arrive hours in advance if you want to stake out a spot. Parking is a nightmare: taking the T is strongly recommended. From 1990 to 2018, there was controversy around the inclusion of LGBTQ groups in the parade, and attendance suffered, but they are now allowed in the parade. In America "St. Patrick's Day" is synonymous with "Legal Public Drinking". Expect to encounter incapacitated revelers not only along the route but throughout the city as well. This goes double if it's a nice day. The organizers plead with people to take it easy, and police try to keep order, but your best bet is to keep your wits about you. Remember to wear green and enjoy the spectacle, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

• free
• history

Getting there

T: Broadway or Andrew

Price

Free

Website

southbostonparade.org (opens in a new tab)