isobelmtl

The Montreal st Patrick’s Day parade is the oldest in North America.

Oh well, they’re Celtic cousins after all

Apparently this was a “ thing” in Mexico for indigenous people to mock the conquering Spanish

The bands, the dancers, a quiet Ukrainian group, pub floats and one for Bain Magique, fire engines, police cars, dignitaries from the United Irish Societies and representatives of parishes and Irish communities passed me as I waited to see the huge “ statue” of St Patrick. A kind neighbour finally told me it had started the parade and because I had come a little late, I had missed him. I had to make do with this rugby club super man!

It was a parade like no other. Rather “ homemade” in flavour, despite some wonderful marching bands, it had the lovely mixed up quality that is unique to Montreal. The threatened rain held off and we were sent off home by some Montreal mounted police

I walked to the Metro with a visitor from Paris who told me there was nothing like it in her home town. I’m sure there is not. The warmth, the enthusiasm, the homely feel of the St Patrick’s Day parade is unique. Don’t miss it next year and honour the Saint himself tomorrow on March 17