St. Patrick's Parade 2024 in Montreal

One of the main highlights of March, the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal attracts about 500,000 spectators and thousands of participants. Cheering crowds dressed in traditional Irish costumes, leprechaun hats, and fake red beards fill the streets of downtown Montreal. The parade takes place on De Maisonneuve Blvd, between Du Fort & Jeanne Mance (running eastbound). There are also many street parties, performances, and Irish community happenings on the same day as the parade.

The St. Patrick's Day parade has been held annually in Canada since 1824. The celebration tookplace even during times of war and economic depression. According to some historical records, Montréal had been celebrating St. Patrick's Day since 1759, the year of the Conquest. Montréal's parade is definitely among the longest-running in North America, along with the New York and Boston parades. The event is currently being organized by the United Irish Societies of Montréal.

Many attendees start St. Patrick's Day celebration with an Irish breakfast at one of the pubs in downtown Montreal. After watching the three-hour jovial and costumed procession on St. Catherine Street, which starts at noon, the crowds go back to pubs to celebrate. The secret of a fun St. Patrick's Day celebration in Montreal is an Irish coffee prior to the parade and a beer afterward!