Skateboarders, motocross riders, Filipino marching bands, green dragons – that’s the Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade. There has been a parade held in Toronto since at least 1863.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious celebration held on 17 March, the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
On St Patrick’s Day, it is customary to wear shamrocks, green clothing or green accessories (the “wearing of the green”), the colour associated with Catholics in Ireland.
Canada’s largest St. Patrick’s Parade takes place this Sunday in downtown Toronto beginning at Bloor Street West and St George Street at noon.
The route for the 31st St. Paddy’s parade runs east on Bloor Street, turns south on Yonge Street and finally turns west on Queen Street, finishing at the parade reviewing stand at Nathan Phillips Square.
