Auckland’s Queen St Turns Green for St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Auckland‘s iconic Queen St transformed into a sea of green as it hosted the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Australasia. Spectators flocked to the street to witness a vibrant celebration of Irish culture, featuring dancers, Gaelic footballers, and even leprechauns. Russell O’Brien, the chairman of St Patrick’s Festival Trust, revealed that around 500 participants and 50 floats enchanted the nearly 20,000-strong crowd lining Queen St.

The parade attracted notable figures such as Irish cabinet minister Jack Chambers, who flew in to partake in the festivities and highlight the strong Irish connection in New Zealand. Chambers emphasized the significance of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a country where one in six individuals has Irish roots, underscoring the cultural ties between Ireland and New Zealand.

Among the highlights of the parade was a dedicated float commemorating famous Irish musicians, including the legendary Sinead O'Connor. Participants and onlookers described the event as ‘lots of fun’ and ‘good craic’, a term in Irish slang referring to a great time filled with laughter and enjoyment.

Post-parade celebrations continued at Auckland’s renowned Irish Club, where attendees savored the traditional Irish stout, Guinness, in a jubilant atmosphere. Meanwhile, in Dunedin, university students joined the St. Patrick’s Day revelry with various festive gatherings to mark the occasion.

Authorities, including the police, ensured the safety and coordination of the celebrations by staying in communication with students and event organizers. Police presence was maintained throughout the day to oversee the festivities and ensure a smooth running of the events.