It’s that time of year again as over a million participants clad in green take to the streets of South Boston for the highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day parade, a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage and the enduring contributions of the Irish-American community.
This annual event dates back to the early 20th century and coincides with Evacuation Day, marking the historic departure of British troops from Boston during the Revolutionary War in 1776.
The parade spans 3.5 miles through the heart of South Boston, known for its rich Irish-American culture in a city where more than 20% of residents identify as having Irish ancestry. Organized by the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, this year’s chief marshal is retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Alanna Devlin Ball, a local hero who recently earned a gold medal in powerlifting at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany.
“Lt. Cmdr. Devlin Ball’s 12-year military career inspires young women aspiring to serve in the military. We honor her dedication, sacrifice, and exemplary leadership,” stated a local representative.
This year’s parade is set to commence earlier than usual, as officials work to prevent the violence and public intoxication that overshadowed last year’s events.
The parade aims to preserve the tradition of celebrating heritage and service, as emphasized by the war veterans council.
In past years, the event has stirred political controversy, notably regarding the ban on gay rights groups marching, which was overturned following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the 1990s. In 2015, two LGBTQ+ groups participated, marking a significant step towards inclusivity in the parade.
Other cities across the nation are also celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, with Chicago hosting its parade on Saturday and Philadelphia and New York City following suit with their own celebrations.
