Montreal's St. Patrick's Day Parade has been postponed

Downtown Montreal’s 197th St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been postponed.

Organizers confirmed on Thursday that the event would not be going forward as planned.

Originally scheduled to take place on Sunday, March 22, the annual parade has been postponed amidst growing coronavirus concerns.

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Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest of its kind in Canada, having taken place every year in the city since 1824.

“With today’s press conference held by the Premier and in collaboration with the City of Montreal we have both deemed it in the best interests of health and safety, Parade participants, and the general public to postpone Montreal’s 197th St Patrick’s Parade,” reads a statement on the United Irish Societies of Montreal website. “We will be sure to keep all informed of our future plans.”

Since Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been held consecutively for over 195 years, the United Irish Societies feels it is their responsibility to its members, community, and history to “ensure the continuity of the event” and that it takes the postponement “very seriously.”

The society concluded the news release by thanking its members, sister organizations, and partners and wishes everyone a Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

As details continue to trickle out in the coming weeks, we’ll keep you updated on revised dates and times.