Fanfares, green hats and dancers: the traditional Saint-Patrick’s Day parade is back on the streets of Montreal, after a two-year absence due to the pandemic.
Posted at 10:34 a.m.
The kick-off was given at the corner of du Fort and Sainte-Catherine streets, around 9:30 a.m. A green tide is heading east, to the sound of bagpipes and drums.
Thousands of spectators, wearing green hats, applaud the musicians in the light rain. “It’s fantastic to be back in the streets of Montreal, we missed it,” exclaimed Jack Doyle, assistant parade director. It’s great to see people smile. »
PHOTO DOMINICK GRAVEL, THE PRESS
At the end of the procession, a member of the parade, Daniel Bonin, shows La Presse his golden shoes, which he has put on for the occasion. “I’m happy to see people come out after two years of sleep during the pandemic,” he says. Usually, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is like a spring festival. The man, who has painted his beard green, says he has been in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 35 years.
The Mayor of Montreal, Valérie Plante, takes part in the festivities.