Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
celebrates 199 years

The ever-popular event attracts thousands on March 17

By Byron Toben

March 20, 2024

Montreal held its 199th consecutive Saint Patrick’s Parade on March 17, the longest and among the largest in the world, organized, as usual, by the United Irish Societies (UIS). This year’s Grand Marshall was Mike Kennedy, President of the UIS from 2012 to 2013. The Chief Reviewing Officer was Patty McCann, who has a long background in the Girl Guides.

2024 Montreal Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Queen and Princesses

The Queen and her court consisted of:

QUEEN
Chloe Miller, 20, Concordia student in History and Irish Studies

PRINCESSE
Julia Rochford, 24, McGill law student
Madison Lalonde, 22, assistant to a Liberal MP
Mia Simard, 22, active in Irish dancing
Shaeleigh Rose Spracklin, 24, Concordia grad in Biochemistry and Irish Studies

The parade had 95 floats and had to detour from part of its usual Ste-Catherine Street route because of construction. The “luck of the Irish” prevailed weather-wise as predicted heavy rain storms did not occur.

Some trivia

The shortest Saint Patrick’s parade in the world is at the edge of Hot Springs, Arkansas. It has only one marcher – the mayor, for a length of 98 feet. Then, spectators have a short distance “race” before dispersing for drinks and food.

Chicago famously douses the Chicago River with green dye.

Some cities you wouldn’t have thought have large observances include Buenos Aires, Argentina and Tokyo.

I wish to dedicate this article to my dear friend Paul Loftus, who left this earthly coil on February 29. He served as Grand Marshall in 2012 and, besides founding the ICCC (Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce), hosted seasonal meetings in McKibben’s backyard and frequent events at Hurley’s where all were welcome, Irish or not. He also attended most Cinegael Irish film events.

Images: courtesy of the United Irish Societies (UIS)

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Byron Toben, a past president of The Montreal Press Club, has been WestmountMag.ca’s theatre reviewer since July 2015. Previously, he wrote for since terminated websites Rover Arts and Charlebois Post, print weekly The Downtowner, and print monthly The Senior Times. He also is an expert consultant on U.S. work permits for Canadians.