A young man plays Gaelic pipes with an Irish flag backdrop at a Dorchester Day Parade | Photo by Cristina EduardoThe Boston Saint Patrick’s Parade is a cherished tradition from Irish ancestors. It’s a welcoming and family-friendly event that celebrates the introduction of Christianity in Ireland and the cultural impact of Irish immigrants in America.
Bostonians have led St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in North America since 1737. They initiated these festivities to honor their roots and pay homage to Saint Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint. Initially held downtown Boston and organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, these celebrations eventually evolved into the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parades.
Saint Patrick, revered as a saint by numerous Christian denominations, is commemorated on March 17th, a date that aligns with Evacuation Day in Boston. Evacuation Day, observed as a holiday in Massachusetts, marks the departure of the British forces from Boston during the American Revolution.
Since 1901, the renowned Boston Saint Patrick’s Parade and Evacuation Day Parade have been held in South Boston. This year’s parade is set for Sunday, March 17th, 2024, and will be hosted -as usual- by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council.
The parade will kick off at the Broadway T station and conclude at the Andrew Square T station. Gerard (Jerry) Wheeler, a retired Navy commander, will serve as the Chief Marshal for the 2024 parade.
The parade route is as follows: Starting at Broadway Station, proceeding up West Broadway, continuing onto East Broadway, turning right on P St., then right onto East 4th Street. Follow East 4th Street, turning left onto K Street, and then right onto East 5th St. Continue up East 5th Street, taking a left onto G Street, and staying to the left of South Boston HS onto Thomas Park. Follow Thomas Park, taking a left onto Telegraph Street, then down Telegraph Street, turning left onto Dorchester Street. Follow Dorchester St. until reaching the parade’s end at Andrew Square.
For more information, the Dorchester Post invites you to visit the parades’ official website here.
