Friday, June 13, 2025
HomeArts & LifeSunshine brings out the Irish in Toronto

Sunshine brings out the Irish in Toronto

Published on

Dancers, floats, marching bands, vintage police cars and fire trucks, and even Barack Obama made their way through crowded downtown streets amidst a sea of shamrocks and green hats on Sunday.

The appearance of the Obama impersonator, a Chinese dragon and Filipino marching bands added a multicultural voice to the traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Onlookers from many backgrounds basked in the bright sun of the early afternoon on one of the warmest days so far this season. The holiday, traditionally celebrated as a feast day in honour of one of the patron saints of Ireland, is actually on March 17.

The requisite contingent of bagpipes and leprechauns entertained the masses during the hour-long parade, but the crowd favourites were undoubtedly the Ramses Hillbilly Shriners, a floating pub, Steamwhistle Breweries and Guinness beer.

The first parade in honour of St. Patrick was held in Boston in 1761. This year was the 22nd year for the parade in Toronto, which is considered one of the largest in the world.

Learn about Centennial College's School of Communications, Media, Arts and Design

Latest articles

RBC Canadian Open fans an advantage to country’s golfers

CALEDON, Ont - Waves upon waves of Canadian fans have come through the gates...

Hughes surges to contention as RBC Open heads to final round

CALEDON, Ont. – Mackenzie Hughes wrapped up Saturday’s third round of the RBC Canadian...

Matthew Anderson soars to new heights on home soil

CALEDON, Ont. - After only his third event, Mississauga native Matthew Anderson made his...

Golf thrives as storm passes at 2025 Canadian Open

CALEDON, ONT. - Following a challenging opening round, the second day of the 2025...

More like this

New theatre project shares real-life stories of former youth from care

A script reading held May 8 at the Young People's Theatre in Toronto was part of an event for the project that celebrated the "little wins" in the lives of young people in and from care, ahead of Children and Youth in Care Day on May 14.

Why septum piercings are more than just a trend for Gen Z and LGBTQ2S+ communities

It’s slowly become a visible cue, a silent nod, and an implied accessory. Whether it’s flipped, stretched, or decorated, it offers a sly suggestion to those who just get it.

The sustainability dilemma of temporary art installations in Toronto

The Winter Stations, an annual art competition, brings colour to Toronto's grey winters, but some are concerned about the environmental impact of temporary installations, which are often difficult to reuse or recycle.