PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade took over the streets of Center City Sunday, drawing crowds to one of the nation’s oldest celebrations of Irish heritage. This year’s theme honored 250 years of Irish contributions to America.
Hundreds of people filed into St. Patrick's Church at 20th and Locust Streets for 9 a.m. mass. before heading to the parade along 16th Street and JFK Boulevard. Father Kevin Gallagher met everyone at the church doors as the Irish procession swelled along the street.
“1771 was the first time the Irish marched in the streets of Philadelphia to say that the Irish have a purpose and meaning in the city, and we march for the same reasons,” Gallagher said.
Bagpipes were the soundtrack of the day, carrying Father Jordan’s message of faith and community.
Following the service, the parade kicked off at 11 a.m. along 16th Street and JFK Boulevard, featuring Irish dancers, bagpipers, and colorful costumes, before heading to Independence Mall. Hundreds of attendees lined the streets, including Mary Beth, who was with her family.
“We’ve been coming to this parade since I was a kid, 40 to 50 years now,” she said.
Sean Anderson, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 39, said the parade is about celebrating heritage and community.
“We come out to celebrate our heritage cause that’s our theme for the year. You know what the Irish people have done for the U.S. for the past 250 years,” Anderson said.
Young parade-goers had their own roles, too. Margaret Rose Sweeney, 11, is the 2026 Little Miss Philadelphia Mary. She helped toss candy from a convertible.
“It was so chaotic, but I didn’t hit anyone in the head with candy,” she said.
The parade continued through 3 p.m., with road closures in place until 4 p.m.