Meriden Native Fiona Stewart-Jimenez Named Grand Marshal of New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade

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Fiona Stewart-Jimenez, a Meriden native who now lives in West Hartford, has been named the grand marshal of the upcoming Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade. Stewart-Jimenez, an Irish dancer and singer, has been involved with the parade since 2013 when she was crowned parade queen. She later joined the parade committee and took on leadership roles, including serving as the parade broadcast chair from 2017 to 2022.

Why it matters

The selection of Stewart-Jimenez as grand marshal highlights the parade's long history and the important role women have played in its leadership. As a native of Meriden with deep Irish roots, her appointment also reflects the parade's connection to the local community and the enduring influence of Irish culture in the region.

The details

Stewart-Jimenez, whose parents are originally from Dublin, Ireland, has embraced her Irish heritage through music and dance from a young age. She danced for many years with the O'Keefe School of Irish Dance in South Carolina and later performed in musical theater productions. While attending the University of Connecticut, she was a founding member of the Celtic American Cultural Society, later known as UConn Irish.

• The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 15, 2026.
• Stewart-Jimenez was crowned parade queen in 2013.

What’s next

The Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 15, 2026, with Fiona Stewart-Jimenez leading the procession as grand marshal.