The streets of America’s most Irish city are set to be painted green once again as over a million people gather for the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade. This annual event holds dual significance, honoring both St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day, which remembers the 1776 departure of British troops from Boston following a long siege.
Originating in the early 1900s, the 3.5-mile parade winds through South Boston, a neighborhood renowned for its Irish-American roots, with more than 20% of residents across the city claiming Irish descent. Each year, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council coordinates the festivities, and this year’s parade will spotlight retired Navy Lt. Cmdr. Alanna Devlin Ball as the chief marshal. A local to South Boston, she represented the U.S. at the 2023 Invictus Games in Germany, earning gold in powerlifting.
U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch of South Boston expressed admiration, stating, “Lt. Cmdr. Devlin Ball serves as an inspiration with her 12-year Navy career, motivating young women aspiring to serve in today’s military. Her service, sacrifice, and powerful example are appreciated by many.”
This year’s parade is set to commence slightly earlier in the morning, following incidents of violence and public intoxication that tarnished last year’s events. Officials are hoping that this year will be different, with an emphasis on “keeping alive the tradition of honoring heritage and service,” as noted by the war veterans council’s statement.
The parade has also seen its share of political controversy. Up until ten years ago, the South Boston Allied War Veterans Council banned gay rights groups from participating. This decision was upheld by a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the 1990s. However, 2015 marked a turning point with the inclusion of two gay and lesbian groups, including Boston Pride, whose organizers celebrated this inclusion as a progressive victory.
In addition to Boston’s festivities, Chicago hosted its own St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, while cities like Philadelphia and New York City will also join in the celebrations with parades scheduled for Sunday and Monday, respectively.
