The San Diego St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Festival is back after being canceled for two years due to the pandemic. The event will be held on Saturday, March 12th, 2022, with activities and festivities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Sixth and Laurel in Balboa Park.
“We are very excited to be back to celebrate Irish heritage and get together again after the last two years,” said Board Chair Tony Mande. “We’ve never had to cancel the parade before, not even for rain. So we are really glad to be able to get together as a community and have some good Irish fun.”
The Irish Congress of Southern California (ICSC) was formed in 1981 to organize the parade and festival to promote appreciation and knowledge of Irish culture and heritage. Over its 40 year history, it has honored and celebrated partnerships with first responders, veterans, military, law enforcement, Native Americans, and a variety of organizations which make up the wonderfully diverse community in the San Diego region.
This year’s parade theme is “Irish Building America” which will honor the hardworking people of the construction and building industries, as well as all who contribute to building communities. “America is really built on so many groups,” said 2020 Parade Chair Tom Cahill who selected the theme. “We are trying to honor all Irish who helped build America.”
The Parade will begin at 10:30 a.m. at 5th and Laurel then proceed north to Upas, east to 6th and south to Laurel Street. The parade will have nearly 100 entries including marching bands, military, fire fighters, law enforcement, Irish community groups and businesses, volunteer organizations, and more.
The festival will run along 6th Ave from Laurel to Nutmeg from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The kids zone is returning along with a variety of vendors, food, and information booths to shop and engage with. Full entertainment line-ups of Irish music and dance will be available on two festival stages beginning after the parade. The beer garden ($5 entry) will host the main stage and be an exciting place to meet friends and show your green.