Celebrating Irish heritage in Holyoke for over 70 years
Held in 1952, the first parade to honor our Irish heritage was the culmination of over a year of planning by the Brian Boru Club and Ancient Order of Hibernians. The inaugural event was a true community effort with assistance from members of the Holyoke Police and Fire Departments, as well as the cities parishes and Catholic schools.
What began with a modest $200 donation has ballooned into the premier Saint Patrick’s Parade in the Northeast.
Coupled with our Saint Patrick’s Road Race (held annually the day before the parade), it’s been determined that our organization has an economic impact in excess of $20 million (according to a study conducted by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute).
Over the years, the city of Holyoke (with a population of 45,000) has welcomed up to 400,000 people for this spectacular parade that showcases prize-winning floats, championship bands from the Northeast, and notable celebrities each year. Musical units include international bands as well as the famed and elaborately costumed Philadelphia Mummers string bands – an annual favorite since 1967.
