With coronavirus concerns spreading, numerous communities have decided to cancel their St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Parades, which bring thousands of people into tight corridors, have a history of spreading viruses. One of the most famous examples is Philadelphia’s parade in 1918, which caused an immediate spike of Spanish influenza cases in the city that overwhelmed local hospitals.
Here’s what decisions have been made about parades around New England.
Canceled:
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Worcester St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Postponed:
New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, no new data set
Mystic's St. Patrick's Day Parade postponed to Oct. 25.
Still On as of 9 a.m. on 3/12:
Check the website before heading out.
Providence St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 21
Step off: 11 a.m.
Route: The Rhode Island parade starts at Smith Street and Elmhurst Avenue, and ends at the State House.
What to expect: A long-running tradition, thousands show up wearing their green. Restaurants and bars around the city are expected to have specials. Plus, you can expect Italian-Americans to be celebrating St. Joseph’s Day on Federal Hill, if you crave Italian food instead.
Manchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade
When: March 29
Step off: Noon
Route: The New Hampshire parade starts on Elm Street at the intersection with Salmon and continues south along Elm Street.
What to expect: This parade is intentionally the last of the season. Why? It means they don’t have to compete with all the other New England cities for good bands and Irish entertainment. So if you want to close out the St. Patrick’s season with a bang, this is a good pick.