South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade Returns This Sunday

The annual celebration honors Irish heritage and the evacuation of British troops from Boston in 1776.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, a longstanding tradition dating back to 1737, will take place this Sunday, March 17, 2026. The parade celebrates Irish-American culture and commemorates the evacuation of British forces from Boston following the siege of 1776. The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. and follows a route through the South Boston neighborhood.

Why it matters

The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is a cherished annual event that brings the community together to honor Irish heritage and history. As one of the oldest St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States, the event holds deep significance for Boston's Irish-American population and serves as an important cultural celebration.

The details

The parade route will begin on Dorchester Street, continue to Telegraph Street, Thomas Park, G Street, East Sixth Street, K Street, East Fourth Street, P Street, East Broadway, and end on West Broadway. The city has issued parking restrictions for the event. This year's parade will be led by Chief Marshal Army Col. Tim Murphy, a South Boston native.

  • The parade steps off at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2026.
  • The parade commemorates the evacuation of British troops from Boston on March 17, 1776.

The players

Allied War Veterans Council of South Boston

The organization that organizes the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade and recognizes it as a celebration of Irish-American culture and the evacuation of British troops from Boston in 1776.

Army Col. Tim Murphy

The Chief Marshal of the 2026 South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade, who was born and raised in South Boston and lives there with his family.

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What they’re saying

“On March 17, 1737, as a gesture of solidarity among the city's new Irish immigrants, Boston's Irish community joined together in festivities of their homeland and to honor the memory of the ... Patron Saint of Ireland.”

— Allied War Veterans Council of South Boston (patch.com)

The takeaway

The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is a cherished annual tradition that celebrates the city's deep Irish-American roots and commemorates a significant moment in American history. The parade's enduring popularity underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage and community-driven events in Boston.