Members of the crowd look on as they enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal, Sunday, March 17, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
On Sunday, both Montreal and Toronto experienced a surge of green as thousands gathered to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with lively parades commemorating Irish culture. Despite snow flurries in Toronto's downtown area, crowds eagerly lined the parade route to enjoy over 100 attractions. Alongside traditional Celtic features like bagpipes, the festivities showcased a diverse array of performances, including Mexican folklore dancers and a Ukrainian marching band. Notably, former Toronto Maple Leafs president and general manager Brian Burke led the procession as Grand Marshal.
Among the parade participants were David O’Keefe and his one-year-old son Noah, representing the Toronto Gaelic Athletic Association, which oversees various Gaelic sports in the Greater Toronto Area. O’Keefe, who moved to Toronto from Ireland in 2012, expressed the significance of the event, describing it as the most significant day of the year for Irish expatriates. He emphasized the importance of passing on Irish heritage to his son, Noah, who proudly displayed mini Irish flags during the parade.
Similarly, Sean Traynor, an immigrant from Belfast, Ireland, has been attending the St. Patrick's Day parade in Toronto since relocating in 1981. Reflecting on the holiday's historical significance, Traynor humorously noted its evolution into a festive occasion centered around socializing and indulgence.
Meanwhile, in Montreal, St. Patrick's green illuminated De Maisonneuve Boulevard as thousands gathered for the city's 199th annual parade, organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal. Despite grey skies, the rain held off until the conclusion of the three-hour event, which featured nearly 100 groups and over 2,500 participants. Phil Hayden, whose Irish roots inspire his participation, appreciated the parade's inclusive atmosphere, celebrating unity among people of diverse backgrounds.
Similarly, Alex Forrest and his family attended the festivities in Montreal, reviving their tradition after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Forrest highlighted the universal appeal of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, emphasizing that people of all backgrounds come together to enjoy the event, regardless of their Irish heritage.
Although St. Patrick's Day traditionally falls on March 17th, celebrations in various locations, including major cities like New York City, took place on different days this year. In Canada, residents of Newfoundland and Labrador will observe the holiday on Monday with a public holiday, adding to the diverse array of festivities across the country.
