Largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in America
By Remy I.
On March 17 people around the world gather to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, a commemoration of Irish culture. In America, almost all 50 states hold at least one St. Patrick’s Day parade. Which parades are the largest?
Kansas City, Missouri holds the fifth largest parade in America. The 43rd annual parade will be on March 17. The theme for this year is Irish Music and Myth. There are about 200,000 spectators that attend. In conjunction to the parade, the city holds a “Go for the Green” food drive to help diminish hunger in the community and a Gaelic Mass that is open to people of all religions and nationalities. There is also an Annual Rub o’ the Green Gold Tournament complete with goodie bags, a lunch, and an awards ceremony.
The fourth largest parade is held in Savannah, Georgia. The 191st annual parade will be held on March 17. There are about 750,000 spectators that attend. Along with the parade, the city holds an Irish Heritage Dance, Mass (Feast of Saint Patrick), and the Annual Greening of the Fountain. There is also a Celtic Cross Mass, ceremony, and reception.
The third largest parade is held in Boston, Massachusetts. It is brought to you by the Allied War Veterans Council. There are about 600,000 to one million spectators. This is the oldest city parade in America. It began in 1737. This year it will be held on March 15.
Chicago, Illinois is home to the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade. About one million spectators come each year. This parade has a Parade Queen and Court. A famous tradition it has upheld for years is called Dyeing The River where everyone helps to dye the Chicago River green! This year the parade will be on March 14. There are many other events in Chicago that will be held separate from this parade in honor of the holiday as well.
The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade is held in New York, New York. This year the celebration will be on March 17. It first began fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Today there are over two million spectators that come to join the festivities. This parade is unique because it has remained authentic all these years. There are no commercial aspects whatsoever. Floats and automobiles are not allowed. Instead the parade consists of marchers, bag pipes, and high school bands.
If you cannot attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade in person, you can watch one online or on TV. Ask your parents’ permission to research which parades will be streamed and how you can be a part of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities. If all else fails, you can always throw a party of your own!
