The Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade

By Seán O’Shea

The Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade is the largest annual Irish event in Canada that takes place in the city to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.

With roots stretching back to the mid19th century, the parade has been running continuously since 1988 and has become a staple of Toronto’s social calendar — a sure sign that the long winter is over and spring is about to arrive.

Over the years, the parade has grown in size and popularity, and today it is one of North America’s largest St. Patrick’s parades. This year’s parade will take place on Sunday, March 19th and will once again bring hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of Toronto to take in the colourful floats, marching bands, and traditional Irish music and dance.

The parade will begin at 12 noon at the corner of Bloor and St. George before making its way eastbound along Bloor St, turning south on Yonge before ending at Nathan Phillips Square with a large gathering of people, live music, and dance.

And the person leading this year’s parade is a man with a strong, proud Irish heritage. The Grand Marshal for 2023 is Jack Armstrong — the famous voice as a sportscaster on TSN for the Toronto Raptors.

Jack is the son of Irish immigrants, with his mother hailing from Roscommon and his late father coming from Mayo. He is immensely proud of his Irish heritage and is honoured to be leading this year’s parade to celebrate his Irish heritage.

The involvement of Jack Armstrong as Grand Marshal is a testament to the importance of the St. Patrick’s Parade in Toronto and its growth as a major event in North America. That growth can be attested to the large number of volunteers who dedicate an immense amount of time each year.

Shaun Ruddy, the Chairperson of the St. Patrick’s Parade Society of Toronto, has been involved with the event for many years. Ruddy, himself a proud son of Donegal, has worked tirelessly to ensure that the parade remains a celebration of Irish heritage and culture. Under his leadership, the parade has grown to become one of the most popular events in Toronto, attracting visitors from all over the world.

“The parade is not only a celebration of Irish heritage and culture but also a great opportunity to promote the city of Toronto and its diversity. It’s not just a great opportunity to enjoy a fun day out with the family, but it also provides an opportunity for people to learn about Irish culture and history. The parade also features a variety of community groups, schools and cultural organizations, highlighting the diversity of the city”, Ruddy told Celtic Canada.

Overall, the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade is a beloved annual tradition that brings together people of all ages and backgrounds to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. With its rich history, vibrant atmosphere, and strong community involvement, the parade is a must-see event for anyone visiting Toronto in the month of March.

This year, it will be even easier for families across Ontario to travel to Toronto to enjoy this celebration. The St. Patrick’s Parade Society is proud to work with Metrolinx to organize special rates on GO trains into the city to enjoy this year’s parade.

GO trains travel into Union Station, just a quick 12 minute walk to Nathan Phillips Square or an easy transfer on TTC’s Line 1 Subway to Museum Station to catch the start of the parade.

So whether you were born in Ireland, have Irish heritage or just want to feel Irish for a day, make sure to get to Toronto on Sunday, March 19 for Canada’s largest celebration of the Emerald Isle.

Eleanor Reynolds

Publisher/Editor ECG www.ellie-corp.com

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