Last year following a two-year hiatus which put paid to mass gatherings and celebrations throughout the world, Waterford City and County Council saw the long-awaited return of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, along with the successful inaugural St. Patrick’s Festival.
Waterford City and County Council’s Community Team and EveryEvent, with the support of Fáilte Ireland, are delighted to announce the return of the St. Patrick’s Day parade and the festival celebrations - three days of craic agus ceol, live entertainment, pageantry, and tradition from March 17th to March 19th, 2023
The theme for the Parade this year is “The Best of Waterford”, which is reflected in its people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent.
Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. John O’Leary said, “The success of last years’ parade and festivities proved the affection that our national holiday is held in. It goes without saying that we have an infectious community spirit.
We want to make this year’s parade even bigger and better. If your sports club, community group, local business or dance troupe wants to make a big impression on the crowds this year, we’d love to see you line out for the parade, which will wind its way down the Quay, from the Bus Station to the Viewing Stand on the Mall.”
Spraoi, which recently celebrated 30 years of great street theatre, will also bring its magic, flair and imagination to the parade. TV Honan, Director of Spraoi, encouraged groups to get involved.
“The theme this year is the ‘Best of Waterford’, so wherever or whomever you take your inspiration from, let your imagination run wild and have some fun!”
Waterford has a long-held association with St. Patrick’s Day.
In February 1903, before March 17th was ever declared a National Day of Celebration, a meeting was held in the Town Hall in Waterford where the citizens unanimously voted to make St. Patrick’s Day a ‘general holiday’ where local businesses would close in order to allow everyone to celebrate.
That year Waterford was Ireland’s first city to hold a St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Details of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festival event will be revealed in the coming weeks, however Johnny Codd, Festival Director, said there will be plenty for all to enjoy.
“The events making up the three-day festival this year will have an eclectic appeal. While we are putting the finishing touches to the festival programme with EveryEvent, rest assured that there will be some great events taking place.
“Some of the highlights include three outdoor live music stages in the city, a festival fairground, poetry events, river cruises and fascinating history tours, with more to be revealed in the coming weeks.”
If you would like to take part in Waterford’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade visit www.stpatricksfestivalwaterford.com.
For more Waterford news and sport, click here.
