Being Irish in Southie

February 3, 2025

South Boston’s distinction as the nation’s most Irish-American community goes back to the 19th century, when Irish immigrants first settled here. They formed a cohesive Irish-American neighborhood centered on family, faith and public service, a spirit that has endured for more than two centuries.

Read about two South Boston traditions, the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast on March 16 and Evacuation Day Memorial Exercises on March 17.

St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast – March 16

South Boston State Senator Nick Collins is hosting the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday, March 16 at the Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall in South Boston. The annual tradition, or political roast, dates back to the early 20th century and is a cherished part of St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

The breakfast is filled with live Irish music, sing-alongs and good-humored banter between elected officials, and underscores the dual nature of the day, celebrating both Irish culture and American patriotism, a blending of two rich traditions.

Considered the political event of the year for Massachusetts politicos, the annual roast is televised and streamed live on local and regional media platforms to bring access to the large Irish American community across the state. The breakfast precedes the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

A lifelong resident and Southie native, Senator Collins has represented the First Suffolk Senate District since 2018. Collins and his wife, Dr. Olivia J. Liff, are the proud parents of two daughters and encourage everyone to stop by and be a part of this wonderful tradition!

stpatricksdaybreakfastboston.com

Evacuation Day – March 17

Evacuation Day is a sacred anniversary in South Boston, commemorating March 17, 1776, when colonial troops forced the British to evacuate Boston by aiming cannons at their naval fleet in Boston Harbor from atop Dorchester Heights. Their brave actions ended the 11-month Siege of Boston.

Today, the magnificent Dorchester Heights Monument in South Boston, unveiled on March 17, 1902, represents the nation’s perpetual gratitude to those Bostonians who resisted tyranny. Evacuation Day ceremonies ensure their noble deeds would never be forgotten.

Each March, the South Boston Citizens’ Association SBCA organizes community activities throughout the month, from sports events and senior citizen salutes to essay and poster contests in schools. City Councilor Ed Flynn is Chairman of SBCA’s 2025 Evacuation Day activities.

Due to the $30 million restoration work on the Dorchester Heights Monument by the National Park Service, the 2025 Historical Exercises take place at South Boston Boys & Girls Club at 230 West Sixth Street. A memorial mass prior to the ceremony takes place at nearby St. Augustine Chapel.

The Dorchester Heights Monument rehabilitation will be complete by March 17, 2026, Evacuation Day, in time for America 250, when the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.

nps.gov/bost