Savannah Celebrates 200+ Years of St. Patrick's Day Parade

Savannah's annual St. Patrick's Day parade has a rich history dating back to 1824.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade is one of the largest in the country, with over 350 entries traversing the three-mile route through the city's historic downtown. The parade has a rich history dating back to 1824, when the Hibernian Society first organized a public procession. Over the past two centuries, the parade has weathered wars, epidemics, and other challenges, becoming a beloved annual tradition for the city.

Why it matters

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade is a cherished community event that has endured for over 200 years, reflecting the city's deep Irish heritage and resilience in the face of adversity. The parade's longevity and growth into one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations showcase Savannah's ability to preserve its traditions while adapting to changing times.

The details

The first public St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah was organized by the Hibernian Society in 1824. Since then, the parade has only been canceled eight times, including during the Civil War, World War I and II, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Over the decades, the parade has evolved, with the addition of new organizations, floats, and marching bands. In 1970, former Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter rode in the parade, and in 2018, Vice President Mike Pence watched from the balcony of Savannah's City Hall.

  • The first public St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah was held on March 17, 1824.
  • The parade was canceled a total of eight times over the past two centuries, including in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • In 2024, Savannah celebrated the 200th anniversary of the St. Patrick's Day parade.
  • The most recent parade was held in 2025, when the 17th fell on a Monday.

The players

Hibernian Society of Savannah

A group of 13 Irish Protestants who formed the Hibernian Society in 1812 to help needy Irish immigrants, and who organized the first public St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah in 1824.

John Forbes

The Grand Marshal who led the parade in 2024, the 200th anniversary of the event.

Jay Burke

The Grand Marshal who led the parade in 2025, when the 17th fell on a Monday.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in Savannah, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Savannah's St. Patrick's Day parade has endured for over two centuries, becoming a beloved annual tradition that celebrates the city's rich Irish heritage and resilience in the face of challenges. The parade's longevity and growth into one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day celebrations showcase Savannah's ability to preserve its traditions while adapting to changing times.