Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade Draws Thousands

One of the nation's largest Irish heritage celebrations returns to South Boston

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Thousands of people were expected to line the streets of South Boston on Sunday for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade, one of the nation's largest celebrations of Irish heritage. The parade traditionally draws crowds from across Massachusetts and beyond, with marching bands, floats, veterans' groups and local organizations making their way along the route.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day parade is a major annual tradition in Boston, a city with deep Irish roots, and often coincides with celebrations of Evacuation Day, which commemorates the departure of British troops from Boston in 1776. The event is a significant cultural celebration for the local community and a major draw for visitors to the city.

The details

City officials said preparations had been underway for weeks, with police, transit officials and emergency crews coordinating safety and transportation plans as large crowds gather in the neighborhood. Last year's parade drew tens of thousands of attendees and featured dozens of marching groups. This year's event was expected to begin late Sunday morning and continue into the afternoon.

  • The parade traditionally takes place annually on St. Patrick's Day.
  • This year's parade was scheduled for Sunday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Boston

A city with deep Irish roots that hosts one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades each year.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The St. Patrick's Day parade in Boston is a longstanding tradition that celebrates the city's Irish heritage and culture, drawing large crowds from across the region to participate in the festivities.