Montrealers flock downtown for 198th St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Montrealers filled the streets downtown for the 198th St. Patrick’s Day parade Sunday.

“I’m just glad everyone’s out,” said Daniel, who attended the parade. “I’m glad to see so many smiling faces and I’m glad to see everybody in Montreal coming out to have a good time. It’s such a great day today.”

This year marked a full-scale return after a smaller edition last year amid COVID-19. The previous two editions were cancelled entirely.

“This really just embodies everything that the Irish community means to Montreal and everywhere around Montreal,” said Lauren Tracey with the United Irish Societies of Montreal. “It’s really incredible to see not only Irish communities but also every other community come in and join us today and having the public come in.

“It’s really, really nice to have everyone together. And I think regardless of whether you’re Irish or not, it’s a great community to be a part of. And I think I can speak for most of Montreal. I’d say we’re really happy to be back.”

#WATCH: Montrealers took part in celebrating the luck of the Irish Sunday at the 198th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade! pic.twitter.com/rQMRABy8w3

— CityNews Montreal (@CityNewsMTL) March 19, 2023

This year there were 77 groups walking in the parade.

“Any activity like this, we love it,” said Kamilah Bowen, wo attended with her daughter Calissa. “We like seeing different cultures, and she’s been talking about it in daycare. So I said, you know, come see it for a time, see the guys in the kilts here, the bagpipes, and join the Montreal vibe, you know?”

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For one Montreal, the parade was a way for them to pay tribute to a lost loved one.

“Our dad passed away recently and he loved the St Patrick’s Day parade,” said Robyn Guitard. “He came every year. He went all out. He would even dye his beard green. So we’re here to celebrate him in his honour. And he would love the fact that we’re here and just partying for him right now.”