Montreal Hosts 199th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Thousands of spectators attended the traditional Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal on Sunday afternoon.

Celebrating the Irish holiday, dozens of floats paraded downtown over a little over two kilometers. Bands, mascots, and giant puppets also joined the procession.

On either side of the parade route, spectators wearing green hats reveled to the sound of bagpipes.

‘I love spending time with the Irish community,’ says Briana McLearie, dressed in green from head to toe. Her great-grandfather emigrated from Ireland, making her a regular at the parade.

‘It used to be huge. It calmed down a bit during [the pandemic], and now it’s coming back,’ observes her mother, Marlene McLearie.

Further along, Alejandro Navarro waits for the parade to begin with his son. Although not of Irish descent himself, the young father finds it important to participate in community events.

‘And my son loves green! It’s one of his favorite colors!’ he exclaims, embracing his son.

The parade, which kicked off around noon, led to a complete closure of Maisonneuve Boulevard, between Fort and Jeanne-Mance streets. The obstruction will remain in place until 5 p.m.

This marks the 199th Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal. The first one took place in 1824, making it the oldest of its kind in Canada.