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 Monday, March 17, here are the largest parades in Brooklyn, each commemorating Irish history, pride and sense of community.
Brooklyn St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 16
This year’s event will feature bagpipers, marching bands, Irish dancers, antique cars and more. The parade will kick off with a Mass at the Holy Name of Jesus Church in Prospect Park. Parade assembly will take place on Prospect Park West between 15th and 9th Streets, followed by a Rededication Ceremony in honor of the heroes and victims of 9/11 at 1:00pm.
The parade will then step off at 1:30pm with participants marching from 15th Street and Prospect Park West, down 15th Street to 7th Avenue, along 7th Avenue to Garfield Place, up Garfield Place to Prospect Park West and along Prospect Park West returning to 15th Street.
The grand marshal is Marty Cottingham, the principal at Avison Young, a real estate firm.
“We are overjoyed to have Marty Cottingham serve as 2025’s parade Grand Marshal,” said Mary Hogan, the co-chair of the parade committee. “His dedication to and leadership on behalf of the Irish American community is vital and we proudly recognize his deep commitment and philanthropic contributions.”
Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 23
With many students from area Catholic schools participating, 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 Lief Erickson 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, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, will start at 1:00pm on the corner of Marine and Third Avenues. It will proceed down Third Avenue and will end at 67th Street.
The grand marshal is Deacon Kevin McCormack, the superintendent of Catholic School Support Services.
Gerritsen Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade, March 29
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 1:00pm, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post at Whitney and Gerritsen Avenues.
