Southie's St. Patrick's Day parade reverses route for 250th Evacuation Day
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Some parade-goers found a leprechaun along the parade route in 2023. Photo: Joseph Prezioso/Getty Images
The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade and Breakfast are upon us once again, but the country's 250th anniversary means a bit of a shift in the parade's route.
Why it matters: This year's celebration has a dual purpose: the annual feast of Ireland's patron saint and the 250th anniversary of Evacuation Day, Southie's other high holiday.
- Organizers say they're "rewinding" history by reversing the traditional 3.5-mile parade route to mirror the path Henry Knox took in 1776 to move artillery from Roxbury to Dorchester Heights.
State of play: The parade kicks off at 11:30am, this year beginning in Andrew Square.
- It's a big shift to start in Andrew, and the parade concludes near the Broadway MBTA station.
- That configuration was common between 1949 and 1987 before being flipped in 1988.
Of note: It's the same earlier start time implemented last year to cut down on ribaldry and public drinking.
Between the lines: Public safety and inclusivity are organizers' top priorities following recent past incidents of unruly behavior, including a viral assault at a park following the 2024 event.
- A new designated family-friendly zone will be located in Medal of Honor Park along M Street to give a safer environment for children and families.
- Broadway will remain the most crowded area, so officials suggest watching from Thomas Park or any of the open restaurants along the route if you need a more controlled experience than the wild streets.
Flashback: The route reversal is a tribute to the Revolutionary War actions that led to the original Evacuation Day, which shares the March 17 date with St. Patrick's Day.
- General George Washington and American forces used the cannons transported by Knox to threaten the British fleet and force the occupiers to evacuate Boston.
There's also the annual politicians' breakfast hosted by Sen. Nick Collins at the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall.
- That runs from 8:30am to 11:30am and features local, state and even some international leaders cracking jokes and airing out some blarney.
- The breakfast will be broadcast live on NBC10 Boston and its YouTube channel.
What's next: Parade spectators should prepare for significant MBTA service disruptions this weekend and crowds all day Sunday.
- Shuttle buses will replace subway service between Broadway and JFK/UMass, as well as the entire Ashmont branch, due to MBTA track work.
- The parade itself will not be livestreamed, so you have to find a spot along the 3.5-mile route to catch the action.