Sunday, March 13th, marked the first Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the city of Philadelphia since it was canceled in both 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Marking this Philadelphia tradition, 250 years of celebrating the Irish heritage and faith, parade marshalls and goers filled Center City streets with green from 16th and JFK Boulevard all the way down to 5th and Independence Mall.
The first parade took place in the year 1771, and similar to this parade, many who attended were excited to watch the Irish Step Dancers, Bagpipe Players, and even the Philadelphia Flyers Mascot, Gritty, make their way down Market Street to perform for those who have been waiting to celebrate the Irish heritage and culture once again.
At the parade, Temple Update’s Danielle Jarrell and Kale Ramos met with Michael Gedraitis and Sean Brennan, who attend Roman Catholic High School. Both Gedraitis and Brennan have grown up watching the parade from the visitor section, but felt honored to walk and hold the opening parade banner at this year’s event.
Brennan mentioned, “This tradition brings the entire Irish Community together. Seeing all of the smiling faces and everyone having a really great time.” Gedraitis included that the parade this year is special not just because of the 250 year anniversary but also because “it’s a good place to see everyone come together, cherish this moment, and celebrate their faith and heritage.”
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