After a two year hiatus, it's been confirmed that the St Patrick's Day parade will return to Waterford City this year.
The parade was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid-19.
Waterford Council has also announced the launch of a St Patrick's Day Festival this year with the support of Failte Ireland- a first for the city.
The festival will comprise a three-day event, taking place from March 17th to 19th, with the theme of "Waterford, where St. Patrick’s Day began," to mark the fact that Waterford was the first city to hold a parade over a century ago. Organisers say it will "pay homage to Waterford’s people and communities, its culture and heritage, its diversity, and its musical and artistic talent."
This year's parade theme is "Waterford - Ireland's Best Place to Live." The details of the parade and the festival programme will be released in the coming weeks, you'll find out more here.
Mayor of Waterford Cllr Joe Kelly said,
It really is great to have such an exciting event to look forward to. Unfortunately our St. Patrick’s Day festivities couldn’t go ahead for the last two years, but we are delighted to be able to reintroduce them, bigger and better this year, with a wonderful three day celebration of our city and its heritage.”
Listen back to Aoife Kearns' report for Déise Today on this year's plans below.
The St. Patrick’s Day parade will also be live streamed, so those who cannot attend or remain cautious about attending large events can still share in the celebrations.
More here on the latest news for Waterford.
