Savannah’s 195th St. Patrick’s Day Parade began at 10:15 a.m. on Saturday, March 16, featuring more than 350 marching units and nearly 15,000 people. The parade featured pipe bands and Irish dancers from all over the East Coast. However, visitors from all over the world came together to celebrate the heritage in the parade.The parade made its way through most of Downtown Savannah, having started near the east side of Forsyth Park, then Broughton Street, Broad Street and finally Bull Street and Madison Square. Traditionally, the city gathers at Forsyth Park to watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal pour green dye into the fountain to officially kick off the holiday. This year, the greening took place on Friday, March 8. On Friday, March 15, members of the Irish community gathered in Madison Square to honor the city’s military, both past and present. Many veterans and active duty members also participated in the parade the next day.Many found River Street to be the place with the biggest St. Patrick’s Day Party in Savannah. Celebrators from all over enjoyed the food, music and bars from early morning to after sunset.At this family friendly celebration, visitors enjoyed performances, music and history.In Savannah, St. Patrick’s Day is a month long event. From the greening of the fountain to bar crawls along river street, the city eagerly anticipated the parade for weeks. Since the first event in 1824, this celebration has become one of the largest parades in the United States.
