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141st Annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade Celebrates Irish Heritage

Participants in the Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade wearing green, showcasing Irish culture

News Summary

On March 15, 2025, Atlanta hosted the 141st annual St. Patrick’s Parade, celebrating Irish culture with thousands in attendance despite windy weather. The event featured over 2,300 participants, including musicians, dancers, and colorful floats, showcasing the city’s deep ties to Ireland. Following the parade, the Luck of the Square Festival continued the festivities with food and entertainment. This historical event, organized by the Irish Network Atlanta, reflects the vibrant Irish community and its impact on Atlanta’s economy and culture.

Thousands Celebrate at the 141st Annual Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade and Luck of the Square Festival

Atlanta came alive on March 15, 2025, as the 141st annual St. Patrick’s Parade marched through the streets, bringing with it a wave of Irish spirit and cultural celebration. This incredible event showcased Atlanta’s deep-rooted connections to Ireland, highlighted by a vibrant display of Irish heritage groups, uplifting music, and eye-catching green-clad floats.

Windy Weather Can’t Dampen Spirits

Despite the blustery weather, the enthusiasm of participants and spectators alike was unwavering. Thousands of Atlantans defied the gusty conditions to attend the lively parade, a true testament to their love for this time-honored celebration.

Parade Route Highlights

The parade kicked off at noon, winding its way through Midtown Atlanta, specifically along Peachtree Street from 15th Street to 5th Street. Lasting until approximately 1:30 p.m., the parade featured an impressive lineup of over 2,300 participants, including nearly 750 musicians and dancers, alongside about 100 parade units.

Luck of the Square Festival

After the parade, the excitement continued at the Luck of the Square Festival held at Colony Square. This festival provided an additional layer of fun, featuring food, entertainment, and activities that kept the St. Patrick’s Day spirit alive long after the last float had passed.

A Historic Celebration

Recognized as one of the oldest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the nation, the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade traces its origins back to 1858, established by the Hibernian Benevolent Society. Today, the event is organized by the Irish Network Atlanta, which was formed in 2016 to foster connections among individuals and groups with Irish heritage in the Metro Atlanta area.

Local Representation

This year’s parade saw participation from over 20 Irish companies in Atlanta, employing approximately 6,800 Georgians. Such representation underscores the importance of celebrating Irish culture and the significant impact of its communities on the city’s economy.

Transportation and Accessibility

For those attending, the use of MARTA public transit was highly encouraged, with Midtown and Arts Center stations providing convenient access to the parade festivities. Parking options were also available for those opting to drive, ensuring everyone could join in the celebrations.

Citywide St. Patrick’s Day Fun

Beyond the parade and festival, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities extended throughout the city, featuring an array of events including additional parades, pub crawls, and live music. This remarkable day brought the community together, empowering everyone to embrace their inner leprechauns and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with celebrating a cherished tradition.