BOSTON (AP) — Throngs of green-clad, shamrock-festooned revelers filled the streets of America’s most Irish big city on Sunday, March 16, 2025, for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade. Green, white, and orange confetti—the national colors of the Emerald Isle—rained down along parts of the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) route. Parade floats and marchers wound through South Boston, a center of Irish-American heritage; more than 1 in every 5 residents is of Irish descent.
Among the attendees was Camryn Craddock, who expressed the joy of the gathering, saying, “I just like the energy... Everyone’s really hyped up. It’s not boring.” Another reveler, Travis Wilshire, noted how the parade felt different now as an adult compared to his childhood experiences: “Last time I was here, I was just a little kid... it’s definitely cool to see it.”
The atmosphere was lively, with spectators, positioned behind metal barricades, playfully hissing as colonial reenactors wearing British tricorn hats marched past on the warm yet overcast day. This year's South Boston parade not only commemorated St. Patrick’s Day but also Evacuation Day, marking the day in 1776 when British troops left Boston after their long siege during the Revolutionary War.
Last year’s parade was marred by incidents of public intoxication; this time, organizers were mindful of prior issues. They launched the festivities earlier and imposed strict rules to deter rowdiness, declaring “zero tolerance” for such behavior. A photo shared by transit police of confiscated beverages demonstrated their intent to keep the celebration safe—gallon-sized jugs filled with green liquid were among the items collected. One attendee remarked, “There is probably a lot of alcohol consumed today... but I think still people were overall behaving rather well, considered.”
The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council organizes the parade, and this year’s chief marshal was retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Alanna Devlin Ball, who represented the U.S. at the 2023 Invictus Games and won gold in powerlifting. U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, himself from South Boston, praised her service: “Lt. Cmdr. Devlin Ball’s 12 years career... serves as inspiration to young women who seek to serve in today’s military.”
Shifting to New York City, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is set to bring its own excitement on Monday, March 17, 2025. Unfortunately, rain showers are anticipated to linger throughout the morning until about 2 p.m. According to Fox Forecast Center meteorologist Mathieu Blue, “The chance for rain becomes less as the parade progresses.” Despite the gloom, temperatures will start around 57-58 degrees, making conditions bearable for the expected crowd.
More than 150,000 participants are scheduled to march along Fifth Avenue, where millions of spectators are expected to cheer them on. The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. and concludes around 4:30 p.m., following its route up Fifth Avenue starting at 44th Street and ending at 79th Street. Those unable to attend can still watch the festivities televised from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on WNBC and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Cozi TV.
Further west, the city of Seattle also celebrates its Irish heritage with its own traditions. The Seattle St. Patrick’s Day parade will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 12:30 p.m. The march begins at Jefferson St. and 4th Ave, with participants rolling north along Fourth Avenue. About 2,000 participants are expected to show their Irish pride. Many families participate, sharing fun memories and traditions.
One local participant reminisced about the original green line painted down Fourth Avenue, which was initiated by local shop owner John Doyle Bishop back in 1947. Bishop’s tradition continued until the 1970s when city officials finally would not allow him to add the line anymore. “That... is our family heritage,” the speaker reflected fondly on these community practices, especially as they relate to the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day.
Georgia will also be celebrating as Savannah holds its St. Patrick’s Day parade on Monday, March 17, 2025. With live coverage available, the celebrations are expected to draw large crowds, showcasing the same community spirit and Irish pride seen across the nation. St. Patrick's Day is not only about parades; it unites communities through shared heritage, festivity, and cultural appreciation.
From coast to coast, the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations serve as reminders of the diversity and cultural connections present within America. Whether standing beneath the confetti of Boston, marching along Fifth Avenue, or celebrating family traditions on Fourth Avenue, it’s these expressions of heritage and community spirit embodied during this festive day.
