As Savannah, Georgia prepares for a grandiose celebration of its St. Patrick’s Day parade’s bicentennial, locals and tourists alike are gearing up to partake in a festivity that has transcended its humble beginnings. Back on March 17, 1824, a small group of Irish immigrants initiated what has become one of the city’s most cherished and lucrative traditions. This Saturday, the parade marks its 200th anniversary, drawing in a festive crowd anticipated to fill the historic downtown’s sidewalks and squares.
Fully booked hotels throughout Savannah and Chatham County hint at the magnitude of the celebration. The parade roster boasts over 230 pipe-and-drum bands, dignitaries, military contingents, and floats adorned with shamrocks. Local bars have loaded up on beer, and the city has set up in excess of 320 portable toilets for celebration-goers.
City Manager Jay Melder expects an unprecedented turnout, forecasting a historic convergence of visitors and Savannah residents.
The evolution of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade into a gigantic outdoor fiesta is indeed a stark contrast to its origins. Commenced by the Hibernian Society of Savannah, a charity supporting impoverished Irish immigrants, the event grew significantly as Irish-Americans found a new home in Savannah, particularly during the Great Irish Famine which boosted the city’s Irish population.
William L. Fogarty chronicled how local shops were stocking up on green-tinted merchandise as early as 1875. By the late 20th century, the parade had developed into a significant tourism event, yet retained a certain simplicity and community spirit, as recollected by Tim Mahoney, present chairman of the organizing committee.
Despite 2023 being the 200th anniversary, it’s not the 200th parade; prior cancellations due to historic events like the Civil War and the coronavirus pandemic make this year’s staging technically not the bicentennial. However, the parade’s actual 200th occurrence is just as special, adhering to the tradition of moving festivities to Saturday should March 17 fall on a Sunday.
Savannah will be awash with celebratory touches including green fountains and illuminated buildings. The scene set for this milestone would undoubtedly astonish the original parade participants from 1824.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade begin?
The parade began on March 17, 1824. - How large is the parade expected to be for the 200th anniversary?
The parade is expected to feature at least 230 bands, floats, and military units, and it draws thousands of spectators. - Has the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day parade ever been cancelled?
Yes, there have been several cancellations throughout history, including during the Civil War, World War I, the 1921 Irish Revolution, and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. - Why is the parade being held on a Saturday instead of March 17?
It’s a longstanding tradition in Savannah to move the parade to Saturday if March 17 falls on a Sunday, to avoid conflicting with church services. - What special preparations has the city made for the parade?
The city has stocked up on beer for downtown bars, rented additional portable toilets, and arranged for buildings and fountains to be adorned with green lights and dyed water.
Conclusion
The bicentennial of Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day parade encapsulates a rich history that has grown from a simple procession by early Irish immigrants to an extravaganza that encapsulates the essence of community celebration. This monumental 200th anniversary is not just a nod to the past, but a vibrant testament to the city’s enduring Irish spirit and its ability to throw a spectacular party, regardless of how many years have passed since that first historic march.