On March 16, the rhythmic beats of marching bands and the stirring sound of bagpipes reverberated amidst a sea of green stretching from 16th and JFK to Eakins Oval. Though many spectators and even some participants celebrated the occasion decked out in Eagles gear, the occasion was in recognition not of the Birds, but of the Irish community.
The grand tradition of Philadelphia’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade unites Philadelphians in a celebration of Irish heritage and community spirit.
With a history spanning over 250 years, this parade is the second-oldest in the country, embodying the resilience of Philadelphia’s Irish-American community that helped shape the nation and the city itself.
The Philadelphia Police Highway Patrol kicked off the 255th annual edition of the parade. (Hanbit Kwon)
From dazzling performances to floats proudly representing Irish organizations, the parade showcases the enduring legacy of Ireland in Philadelphia.
The 2025 parade continued this tradition with a parade theme dedicated to “St. Patrick, Bless Those Dedicated to Serving Others!”, bringing together over 200 groups of marching bands, dance groups, youth groups and Irish Associations to celebrate Irish heritage and culture.
The Philadelphia Eagles Pep Band triumphantly flaunted the iconic Vince Lombardi Trophy. (Hanbit Kwon)
A Brief History of the Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Parade
Philadelphia’s first documented St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 1771, five years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Organized by the Society of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, the parade was initially a modest gathering that grew into a major civic event celebrated across Philadelphia. The Friendly Sons, an organization dedicated to supporting Irish immigrants, counted among its honorary members none other than George Washington, who valued the contributions of Irish-American patriots during the Revolutionary War.
The mid-19th century saw an influx of Irish immigrants fleeing the Great Famine, and their presence in the city’s workforce and neighborhoods became more pronounced. As the Irish population in Philadelphia expanded, the parade too grew in scale and significance. Over time, the parade evolved to reflect both the struggles and triumphs of the Irish-American experience, with themes of religious freedom, political activism and cultural pride emerging throughout its history.
After a hiatus during the Great Depression and World War II, the parade was formally reestablished in 1952 under the St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association. Since then, it has grown into a massive event featuring more than 20,000 participants and drawing crowds of thousands along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The parade’s themes have varied over the years, from calls for peace in Northern Ireland, to celebrations of Irish contributions to American society.
Today, the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade remains a cherished tradition, seamlessly blending history, faith, and festivity. It stands as a testament to the sacrifices and achievements of Irish-Americans, offering all Philadelphians the opportunity to witness and celebrate this enduring legacy together.
Irish dancers dressed in Eagles jerseys energized the crowd. (Hanbit Kwon)
Sisters Eleanor, Flora, and Dorothy lining up on JFK to march in the parade. (Hanbit Kwon)
Dancers of all ages strutted their stuff in the parade. (Hanbit Kwon)
Bagpipe melodies swelled through the crowded streets. Pictured here are members of The Second Street Irish Society, a fraternal, faith-based, non-partisan organization based in Southeast Philadelphia. (Hanbit Kwon)
Young dancers from The Second Street Irish Society. (Hanbit Kwon)
Green wigs and beaded jewelry were popular along the Parkway. (Hanbit Kwon)
Members from several divisions of the LAOH — The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians — also marched this year. (Hanbit Kwon)
St. Patrick himself stopped to pose for pictures with the crowd. (Hanbit Kwon)
Parade Marshals from past years were still popular with the crowd. Pictured here at center is the 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Dan Harrell. (Hanbit Kwon)