February 1, 2011
Michael Quinlin: 617 696-9880
irishmassachusetts@comcast.net
Ron D’Amico, MOTT / 617 521 5428
For Immediate Release
Massachusetts Announces Schedule of Irish Parades and
Cultural Events this St. Patrick’s Day
(BOSTON) -- The Boston Irish Tourism Association (BITA) and state tourism officials today released the 2011 schedule of St. Patrick’s Day parades and cultural events planned this March in cities and towns across Massachusetts. The US Census reports that nearly 24% of residents claim Irish ancestry, making Massachusetts the most Irish-American state in the USA.
Local tourism officials are encouraging tourists to visit Massachusetts for its Irish parades, festivals, and ongoing cultural activities this March and throughout the year.
“Massachusetts has so much to offer people who want to immerse themselves in world culture,” says Betsy Wall, executive director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT). “During the month of March, there are terrific activities throughout the Commonwealth that celebrate Irish heritage. You don’t have to travel far distances, at great expense, to get a taste of Ireland: It’s All Here.”
Pat. Moscaritolo, President of Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, says “Boston's Irish community offers a wonderful way to explore the city's illustrious history and contemporary ambiance. Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail covers three centuries of Irish history, and Irish pubs are a big part of the city's night life. Once you visit Boston you'll see why it is considered the Capital of Irish America.”
“Smart travelers and local residents have long discovered the joys of celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Massachusetts, emphasizing contemporary Irish culture and exploring the rich strains of Irish-American culture and heritage.” says Colette Quinlin, director of Boston Irish Tourism Association.
BITA’s Travel & Culture Guide, a 28 page magazine of Irish activities, is available free in March at visitor kiosks, hotels, shops and cultural venues around the state. To find a location near you, click here
2011 ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADES IN MASSACHUSETTS AND NEW HAMPSHIRE
March 5
Cape Cod: Saturday, March 5, 11:00 am
March 13
Worcester: Sunday, March 13, Noon
March 20
Abington: Sunday, March 20, 1:00 pm
Holyoke: Sunday, March 20, 11:50 am
South Boston: Sunday, March 20, 1:00 pm
Scituate: Sunday, March 20, 1:00 pm
March 27
Manchester, NH: Sunday, March 27, Noon
Literary/Theatre
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
No visit to Boston is complete without a stop at the John F. Kennedy Library, the official repository for President John F. Kennedy, the nation’s 35th president and America’s first president of Irish-Catholic ancestry. Current exhibits celebrate the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s historic first year in office, while forums, lectures and educational programs flourish year round.
There are dozens of hotels in greater Boston with close access to the parade and to pubs and restaurants, cultural events, gift shops and Irish landmarks.
Irish Cultural and Social Organizations
Sporting Events
Irish–American Heritage
The Bostonian Society holds an historical reenactment of the Boston Massacre on March 5 at the Old State House. One of the five victims of the Massacre on March 5, 1770 was Irish sailor Patrick Carr.
Evacuation Day ceremonies take place at Dorchester Heights in South Boston on March 17, from where colonists aimed cannons at the British navy, forcing them to flee Boston Harbor on March 17, 1776.
BITA created Boston’s first Irish Heritage Trail to celebrate the city’s rich Irish history. The three-mile, self-guided walking tour goes from the Rose Kennedy Garden on the waterfront through downtown Boston and Back Bay, ending up at Fenway Park. The 20 sites celebrate the Irish experience in Boston dating back to colonial times. A map of the Trail is available for free at the visitor information centers on Boston Common and at the Prudential Center. Guided Tours are available in the spring. Contact 617 696 9880 or irishmassachusetts@comcast.net for details.
ABOUT: THE BOSTON IRISH TOURISM ASSOCIATION
Boston Irish Tourism Association (BITA) promotes the state’s Irish-American community year round to the travel industry and to local residents. A membership organization, BITA also promotes travel between Massachusetts and Ireland, Northern Ireland and Celtic Canada. For year round details on cultural events, pubs, gift shops, hotels, travel agencies, visit IrishMassachusetts.com
For year round tourist information on all cultural activities and travel amenities in Massachusetts, visit the Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism at MassVacation.com.
For conventions and meetings, visit Massachusetts Convention Center Authority at MassConvention.com.
For year round tourist information, go to Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau at bostonusa.com.
BITA web sites include:
Irish Massachusetts / IrishMassachusetts.com
Boston Irish Heritage Trail / IrishHeritageTrail.com
Patrick S. Gilmore Society / PSGilmore-Society.org
Boston Irish Famine Memorial / Boston.com/famine
BITA blogs include:
Irish Massachusetts blog /IrishMassachusetts.blogspot.com
Irish Boston blog /IrishBoston.blogspot.com
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