The streets of Boston, known as America’s most Irish city, were alive with the vibrant spirit of St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday during the annual South Boston parade. As green-clad and shamrock-adorned revelers flooded the 3.5-mile route, the essence of Irish heritage permeated the air. The parade, a longstanding tradition that dates back to the early 20th century, not only celebrates St. Patrick’s Day but also commemorates Evacuation Day, a significant event in Boston’s history marking the departure of British troops in 1776.
A Festive Atmosphere in South Boston
The parade route, which traversed through South Boston’s iconic Broadway, was lined with enthusiastic spectators eagerly awaiting the procession of floats and marchers. Among them was Alex Brough, a local from Bedford, Massachusetts, who marveled at the diversity of groups participating in the parade. “It was nice to see all the groups that entered floats and everything else into the parade, engaging the crowd,” he shared. “It’s great to see everyone come out and enjoy the day.”
The streets came alive with vibrant colors as green, white, and orange confetti showered the parade route, symbolizing the national colors of Ireland. Colonial reenactors in British tricorn hats added a historical touch to the festivities, evoking a sense of the city’s rich past. Despite last year’s incidents of violence and public intoxication, this year’s parade saw a more subdued and well-behaved crowd, a testament to the organizers’ efforts to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
Honoring Tradition and Diversity
The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, the driving force behind the parade, selected retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Alanna Devlin Ball as this year’s chief marshal. A native of the neighborhood, Lt. Cmdr. Devlin Ball’s impressive military career and gold-winning performance at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany served as an inspiration to all in attendance. U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, a proud South Boston native, lauded her dedication and leadership, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in the military.
Over the years, the South Boston parade has been embroiled in political controversies, particularly surrounding the exclusion of gay rights groups from participating. However, in a significant move towards inclusivity, these groups were welcomed to march a decade ago, marking a pivotal moment of progress and acceptance. Boston Pride, one of the participating organizations, hailed this decision as a step forward in fostering a more diverse and inclusive community.
As the South Boston parade drew to a close, the echoes of celebration reverberated through the streets, leaving behind a tapestry of shared experiences and cherished traditions. While Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York City also marked St. Patrick’s Day with their own festivities, Boston’s celebration stood out as a testament to the enduring spirit of Irish heritage in the heart of America’s most Irish city.
Associated Press reporter Philip Marcelo in New York contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.
