Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade is One of the Oldest in the World

The South Boston parade dates back to 1737, making it the second-oldest St. Patrick's Day parade globally.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 9:07am

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Boston first hosted a St. Patrick's Day parade in 1737, 39 years before the United States was formed, making it one of the oldest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the world. The parade moved to the South Boston neighborhood in 1901 and has continued annually, except for breaks in 1994 and 2020-21, celebrating both Irish heritage and the city's Evacuation Day history.

Why it matters

The South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade is a longstanding tradition that connects the city's Irish immigrant roots to its revolutionary history, showcasing Boston's unique cultural identity. As one of the oldest such parades globally, it highlights the enduring significance of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States.

The details

Boston's first St. Patrick's Day parade took place in 1737 as a show of solidarity among the city's new Irish immigrants. In 1901, the parade moved to the South Boston neighborhood, home to a large Irish population as well as Dorchester Heights, where British troops evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776. The parade now celebrates both St. Patrick's Day and Evacuation Day, honoring Irish heritage and military service.

  • Boston first hosted a St. Patrick's Day parade on March 17, 1737.
  • The parade moved to South Boston in 1901.
  • The parade took breaks in 1994 and 2020-21.
  • This year's parade will take place on Sunday, March 15.

The players

South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade

An annual parade in Boston that celebrates both St. Patrick's Day and the city's Evacuation Day history, dating back to 1737.

J. Michael Francis

A history professor at the University of South Florida who has researched the history of St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States.

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What they’re saying

“The first recorded St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the United States did not occur in Boston or New York. Rather, those who first gathered to venerate St. Patrick and process through city streets included a blend of Spaniards, Africans, Native Americans, Portuguese, a French surgeon, a German fifer, and at least two Irishmen, who marched together in honor of the Irish saint.”

— J. Michael Francis, History Professor (University of South Florida)

What’s next

The South Boston St. Patrick's Day parade will take place on Sunday, March 15, 2026, starting at 11:30 a.m. and following a revised route through the neighborhood.

The takeaway

Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade is a testament to the city's deep Irish roots and its enduring commitment to celebrating its cultural heritage. As one of the oldest such parades in the world, it serves as a reminder of the diverse tapestry of American identity and the lasting impact of immigrant communities.