The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade, one of the largest and oldest celebrations of its kind in the United States, is set to take place this Sunday, March 15, beginning at 11:30 a.m. The parade route will run through South Boston, starting at Andrew Square and ending at A Street and West Broadway.
History of Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Boston’s connection to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations dates back to 1737, when the city hosted its first parade – a demonstration of solidarity among newly arrived Irish immigrants. According to the parade website, the event was intended to honor the Patron Saint of Ireland.
In 1901, the parade found a permanent home in South Boston, a neighborhood with a significant Irish population. The location likewise holds historical importance as the site of the British evacuation of Boston on March 17, 1776. The annual parade now commemorates both St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day, celebrating Irish heritage and military service.
The parade has been held annually, with exceptions in 1994 and during the years 2020, and 2021.
Oldest Celebrations in the U.S.
Whereas Boston’s parade is the second-oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world, the oldest recorded celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the United States took place in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1600, with the city’s first parade following in 1601. According to University of South Florida history professor J. Michael Francis, the first celebrations included participants from diverse backgrounds, including Spaniards, Africans, and Native Americans.
The oldest continuous St. Patrick’s Day parade, however, is held in Modern York City, which has hosted a parade every year since 1762.
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade Route 2026
This year’s parade will follow a route different from previous years. It will begin at Andrew Square, proceed up Dorchester Street, turn right onto Telegraph Street, right around Thomas Park, left onto G Street, right on 6th Street, left on K Street, right on 4th Street, left on P Street, and left on East Broadway. The parade will pause at Medal of Honor Park for a wreath-laying ceremony at the Vietnam Memorial before continuing onto West Broadway and finally turning right onto A Street.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Boston first host a St. Patrick’s Day parade?
The city of Boston first hosted a St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 17, 1737.
When did the parade move to South Boston?
The parade moved to South Boston in 1901.
What time does the parade start on March 15, 2026?
The parade will start at 11:30 a.m. On Sunday, March 15.
As Boston prepares for this longstanding tradition, one can’t help but wonder how the parade will continue to evolve and reflect the city’s changing demographics and cultural landscape in the years to arrive?