Brooklyn's Irish population may have dwindled in the past several decades, but many Celtic traditions have endured, including the beloved St. Patrick's Day parade.
Although the city's largest parade happens in Manhattan on Saturday, here are the largest parades in Brooklyn, each commemorating Irish history, pride and sense of community.
Brooklyn St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 17
Starting with a 10:30 am mass at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 245 Prospect Park West, the oldest parade in Brooklyn kicks off at 1pm at Bartel Pritchard Square, near Prospect Park West and 14th Street in Windsor Terrace. The well-attended parade features marching bands, Irish dancers, and Celtic music. The historic theme for this year's parade is the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Ireland in 1949. The grand marshal is Gerard L. Keough, an attorney at law at Keough Law Group.
Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 24
With many students from area Catholic schools particiapting, the Bay Ridge parade is always packed with families. The parade was the brain child of the late Gene Reilly, who owned the now shuttered Leif Erikson Pub on Fifth Avenue. Reilly wanted to share his beloved Irish culture and heritage and believed there was always room for one more Irish parade! The parade, starting at 1 pm, runs along Third Avenue, starting on the corner of Marine Avenue, and ends at 67th Street. The grand marshal is Daniel Flynn, chief fire marshal of the FDNY.
Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 30
It may be the smallest in the borough, but the annual parade in south eastern Brooklyn packs a punch with many pipe bands and dancers. The parade starts at 1pm, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post at Whitney and Gerritsen Avenues.
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