HOLYOKE - MARCHING WITH PRIDE
MARCH 19, 2023
Hailed as one of the best Irish parades in America, the annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade offers an extraordinary display of pageantry and fun each year, as thousands of marchers and hundreds of thousands of spectators line the streets of the city to celebrate Irish heritage, the arrival of spring, and the community spirit that makes Holyoke so special.
Since it was launched in 1952, the parade has always been grounded in the community, relying on thousands of volunteers, small businesses, Irish organizations and civic associations to unite behind the massive pageantry and fun each March. The local buyin from residents of Holyoke and indeed the entire Pioneer Valley continues to inspire.
While the parade is the main event, there are myriad other activities that add to the excitement. Two special fundraisers kick of the excitement with Marshal Mania on March 3, followed by Dobbin’s Tartan party on March 4. On March 18, the wildly popular Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race features a 10k run and a two mile walk that brings thousands of spectators to cheer on the runners.
This year’s parade on Sunday, March 19, is sure to be special. Just before the march, organizers hold the prestigious Ambassadors Award Breakfast at the Wyckoff Country Club. This year’s recipient is US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin, pictured right, who exemplifies the mission of the award, to promote the relationship between the people of Ireland and the people of the United States.
Holyoke native Jane Coughlin Chevalier is leading the parade as the Grand Marshal, and she is being joined by the Holyoke Caledonian Pipe Band - winner of this year’s Citizenship Award. The pride and community spirit of Holyoke continues!