Montreal's St. Patrick's Day Parade turned vibrant green on March 16, 2025, as it celebrated its 200th anniversary along Maisonneuve Boulevard. The parade, which has become synonymous with joy, camaraderie, and cultural pride, welcomed nearly 120 groups and approximately 3,000 participants—a notable increase from the previous year, where about 90 groups and 2,500 participants graced the festivities. The celebration of this milestone was heightened by the presence of Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, marking his first public appearance since being sworn in just two days prior on March 14.
Carney was seen engaging warmly with the crowd, shaking hands, and posing for photos as he walked the entire two-kilometre route of the parade. His participation added gravitas to the event and evoked enthusiastic cheers from the onlookers, many of whom chanted "Canada!" as he passed by. The festive atmosphere was palpable, as several attendees even serenaded Carney with jubilant renditions of "Happy Birthday," celebrating not only the parade but also the Prime Minister’s 60th birthday.
Lauren Tracey, spokeswoman for the United Irish Societies of Montreal, exclaimed, "It's all about unity," emphasizing the parade's role as a beacon of community spirit. She elaborated, “Everybody's Irish today,” reflecting the diverse representation and collective heritage celebrated at this annual event. With so many participants involved, the sense of community underscored the significance of the parade as more than just a public spectacle; it becomes a statement of cohesion among various ethnicities and backgrounds.
This important milestone, celebrating the depth and richness of Irish culture, has not been without its challenges. The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held back in 1824 and has traditionally been maintained even through adverse circumstances. The last significant cancellations were due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which paused the celebrations for both 2020 and 2021. Tracey noted the significance of continuing the tradition this year, saying, "We’re really happy he’s showing his support and his participating makes us very proud.”
Carney was not the only notable figure participating; local, provincial, and federal politicians showcased their support for the event alongside colorful floats, lively musicians, and dancers bedecked in green. The sheer volume of attendees this year demonstrated the parade's resurgence and the enthusiasm within the community.
The parade attracted families as well, including Allison Morris, who shared her family's tradition of attending the event yearly to celebrate their Irish roots. She commented, "It's just it's a community, you know, everybody...no issues," illustrating how the event transcends mere celebration to create lasting connections among attendees. With joyous spirits high and communities coming together, the essence of St. Patrick’s Day shone brightly.
Participated by thousands from across Canada and beyond, the Montreal parade was part of the broader celebrations of Irish heritage occurring simultaneously. Toronto hosted its own St. Patrick's parade, which also commenced on March 16, beginning at noon at the corner of St. George and Bloor St. West. This parade featured local dignitaries and live entertainment, with Caroline Mulroney serving as grand marshal. Notably, her father, the late former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, himself served as the grand marshal of the Montreal St. Patrick's Parade back in 1980, highlighting the enduring ties between the city’s Irish community and its political history.
Edwin McCarthy, visiting from Nevada, stated, "I just love it because it's celebrating Irish culture, so it's celebrating part of my heritage," echoing the sentiments of many who come from far and wide to join the celebrations. This sense of belonging, shared culture, and vibrant community spirit reflect the deep-rooted appreciation for Irish history, customs, and contributions to Canadian society.
Saturday’s event was not just about celebrating the past but also embracing the future, where unity and diversity thrive. With the remarkable turnout and enthusiastic participation, Montreal's St. Patrick's Day Parade affirms its place as one of the defining moments of cultural celebration, reinforcing the bonds among citizens and showcasing the beautiful mosaic of Canada’s multicultural identity.