Experience Boston’s Historic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Heart of Irish America
Written by Kaelie Piscitello
Bostonians were the first to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the United States in 1737. They introduced the holiday as a gesture of solidarity amongst the first wave of Irish immigrants moving there.
Most Irish Catholic immigrants came from 1820 to 1860 and encountered prejudice and discrimination. The Know-Nothing agenda promoted anti-Catholic propaganda, and as a result, parades became a small chance for the Irish to showcase their heritage with pride. The Boston Irish created their event in 1862, and it turned into a common tradition celebrated each year. It only moved to Southie in 1901.
Fun fact: St. Patrick’s Day is an official Boston holiday because it falls during Evacuation Day. Evacuation Day commemorates the fall of the British on March 17, 1776, during the Revolutionary War. Therefore, all public schools and Suffolk County government offices close on this day.
The Irish Heritage Trail
The Irish Heritage Trail, which is administered by the Boston Irish Tourism Association, offers many tours. Along this route, over twenty landmarks of Irish-American artists and heroes are located throughout the city.
This trail covers three miles throughout the South End, Charlestown, Brighton, and Dorchester,. It starts in Rose Kennedy Garden and ends at Fenway Park, and some of its sites include the USS Constitution, JFK Presidential Library and Museum, and the Forest Hills Cemetery.
The heritage walk celebrates the contributions of Irish immigrants to the United States over the last three centuries.
The Parade
Nearly 1 million people attend the parade each year. It always takes place in Southie, a traditional Irish neighborhood. While Southie has a historically impoverished background, it has become trendy over the past ten years, so the rent has increased to higher prices. Viewers can best see the event between Broadway Station and L Street.
During this event, thousands of participants march in traditional Irish dress, wearing skirts, scally caps, and their military attire. People also dress up in traditional Revolutionary War garments to commemorate Evacuation Day.
The event line-up includes bagpipes and brass marching bands competing for spectators’ attention. One of the Kennedys, Maia Kennedy, photographs this event today. This year, it will take place on Sunday, March 16, at 1 p.m. Don’t forget to wear green!
The City’s Irish Pubs
There is no shortage of Irish pubs in the city; tourists can find them almost everywhere all year. The Burren, for example, has traditional Irish music every night, along with Irish step-dancing performances. They host Irish music stars and a variety dinner show each year with traditional music and dancing. Tickets include a dinner of corned beef and cabbage, stew, and shamrock cake.
The Druid Pub in Cambridge is a fun place to get a Guinness and enjoy classic Irish food. They serve breakfast meals, such as French toast, a brunch burger, and an Irish breakfast. On the weekends, musicians give live performances.
Meanwhile, The Black Rose in Faneuil Hall plays Irish music every night and serves traditional Irish foods, including black and white pudding and Shepherd’s pie. People will need a reservation if they want to go during the holiday.
Remember to check out the Get Lucky Pub Crawl on March 15. Nearly 25,000 people join each year, and it helps visitors and locals get into some of the more popular spots during that busy weekend.
More St. Patrick’s Day Activities
Besides the parade and Irish pubs, many people will also attend a Celtics game. The Celtics do not play at the Garden on the 17th this year. However, they will play the Pistons on March 18. Travelers can also choose to take a brunch Cruise around the Harbor and for a taste of Irish music and traditional food. This yacht is a fun option for activities during the holiday.
As always, Boston’s Irish punk rock band and a local favorite, the Dropkick Murphy’s, will host a concert at Blues & MGM Music Hall. The Boys and Girls Club will also host their annual 5k road race from 11 to 12 on the holiday. Participation costs $35, and all proceeds go toward the Boys and Girls Club.
Live performers share their craft throughout the course and bring joy to the day. This 5k is a crucial fundraiser for the Edgerley Family Boys and Girls Club, and it raises lots of money for the coming year.
Nearby St. Patrick’s Celebrations
Outside of the city, Newport, Rhode Island, also hosts an annual holiday parade. This small city has several Irish pubs, and many local people and organizations participate in the Newport celebration. Providence and Abington also host a party each year.
