‘Ireland Took a Visit to Toronto’: Revellers Attend St. Patrick’s Day Parade Despite Soggy Weather
Rain or shine, and it was mostly the former, Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade drew a festive crowd eager to celebrate Irish culture with lively music, vibrant floats, and enthusiastic spectators.
A Celebration Through Rain and Wind
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto took place on March 16, 2025, drawing thousands of spectators despite the persistent drizzle. The parade route stretched from St. George Street and Bloor Street West to Yonge and Dundas Streets, filling the streets with green-clad revellers, lively music, and a strong sense of Irish heritage.
Sisters Fiona and Ciara Canfield, both of Irish descent but Toronto-born and raised, have been attending the event since childhood. They embraced the rain, likening it to the weather back home in Ireland. “Ireland took a visit to Toronto,” remarked Fiona, standing proudly in the downpour with only a Viking helmet for cover.
Read More: St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A Celebration of Irish Heritage in Canada
A Parade Full of Color and Spirit
The parade showcased a fantastic blend of traditional and multicultural performances. Some of the highlights included:
- Marching bands playing bagpipes, clarinets, and drums
- A giant balloon leprechaun, pots of gold, and a “Gulliver’s Travels”-themed float
- The city’s beloved 92-year-old leprechaun, Paschal Brogan, leading the procession for the 25th year
- Participation from local government officials, including Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, who was quoted saying, “I’m feeling lucky, I’m feeling Irish.”
- Union groups and international cultural performances, including a Mexican folk ballet group, paying tribute to Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico in the 19th century
- Irish step dancers performing energetic jigs along the route
- Gaelic football clubs showcasing their skills on moving floats
A True Showcase of Irish Resilience
Despite the damp conditions, spirits remained high. Christine Harron, an Irish-Canadian, expressed her joy at seeing a diverse turnout, saying, “It was lovely to see all the marching bands, lots of kids, lots of dancers—everybody in a great mood.”
For Ciara, the parade was a reminder of Irish resilience. “Seeing everyone come together to celebrate and participate in our culture is so lovely. Regardless of everything that’s happened, we’ve just stuck it out and we find ways to have fun.”
As the event wrapped up, the figure of St. Patrick himself waved to the crowd, marking the end of another successful St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Toronto.
