One Of Largest Parades In The USA Takes Place On Saturday, March 17, 2018
Chicago, of course.
Boston, naturally.
Even Savannah. GA.
But Pittsburgh!?
Yes, Pittsburgh has a St. Patrick’s Day parade and it’s huge. It has nearly 25,000 participants and – depending on the weather – between 250,000 and 300,000 spectators.
Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 2018 will take place on Saturday, March 17 (yes, St. Patrick’s Day is on a Saturday!) with the same downtown parade route it has followed in recent years, featuring Pittsburgh-area marching bands, Irish dancers, and a host of Irish-heritage groups.
The parade begins at 10 a.m.
The event celebrates Pittsburgh’s Irish heritage and is normally attended by 200,000-plus people, all “Irish for the day.” On warmer days the parade has attracted more than 350,000 spectators.
It has enjoyed a 147-year history in the city, having occurred non-stop since 1950. Many Pittsburghers remember that not even a blizzard in 1993 could prevent Pittsburgh’s Irish from marching. Pittsburgh’s is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the United States.
The 2018 St. Patrick’s Day Parade will feature roughly 200 marching units, including bands, floats, several police, fire and emergency service agencies, along with many groups from Pittsburgh’s Irish community and other entrants.
The Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the highlight of an entire week of Irish-heritage events in and around Pittsburgh, featuring area artists, musicians and community groups.
In addition to being a celebration of great significance to those with Celtic roots, parade organizers suggest that the parade be a catalyst for all Pittsburgh to explore Irish heritage, culture, entertainment and cuisine throughout the year.
Pre-Parade Mass at St. Patrick Church in the Strip District
Traditionally, on parade day, the parade hosts a special pre-parade Roman Catholic Mass to be held at St. Patrick’s Church in the Strip District. This is open to all parade-goers.
Pittsburgh . Irish Bars
The Harp is in the downtown area. Riley’s Pour House, is a 15-minute Uber ride from town. Both are very authentic inasmuch as you can find in a working-class American city.
About the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Pittsburgh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates Pittsburgh’s Irish heritage and is normally attended by 250,000-plus people, all “Irish for the day.” On a warm, sunshine-filled parade day, 350,000 have attended the event.
The parade has enjoyed a 148-year history in the city, having occurred non-stop since 1950. Many Pittsburghers remember that not even a blizzard in 1993 was able to keep Pittsburgh’s Irish from marching on.
The parade is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the nation.
Shirley says
March 11, 2018 at 4:05 pmIs the Strip District open on St. Patrick Day Saturday March 17, 2018?
Abby says
March 12, 2018 at 1:10 pmYes always
kevinwilkerson says
March 12, 2018 at 1:13 pmThanks Abby!
Pat Fox says
March 17, 2018 at 5:24 amAre any tv stations airing the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade ? How can I watch it ?
kevinwilkerson says
March 17, 2018 at 8:23 amDon’t know!
Diane says
March 18, 2018 at 12:58 pmIt would be nice to see the Irish step dancers wear their costumes and tap shoes. Boring when their dressed in sweat suits and tenners. They should have enough pride to represent.
kevinwilkerson says
March 18, 2018 at 1:23 pmAgreed!