Montreal St. Patrick’s Day parade is back, 2 years after being cancelled over COVID

Montrealers embraced the rain and cold weather today to enjoy their first St. Patrick’s Day parade since 2019.

The 197th edition was back this year as COVID-19 protocols are being lifted across the province.

The March celebration of Irish culture was among the first events to be cancelled in 2020 and then again in 2021 due to the pandemic.

The United Irish Societies of Montreal, which have organized the event since 1929, kicked off festivities around 9:30 a.m. with a scaled-back version of the festivities.

The walking parade of dancers and marching bands was smaller than usual, without any of the usual floats.

Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante was among the participants.

The city is home to one of Canada’s largest Irish populations.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 20, 2022.

The Canadian Press