Preview by Brad Balfour, Arts Editor
What: St. Pat’s for All Parade
When: Sunday, March 1
Where: Gathers at 12 noon and kicks off 1p
Queens, NY 11101
Cost: Suggested donation to the parade $40 and with a vehicle, $70
Continuing its proud tradition of celebrating Irish heritage while championing diversity, acceptance, and inclusion for all, the 27th Annual St. Pat’s for All Parade will take place on Sunday, March 1. Throughout the years, St. Pat’s for All has stood apart as an Irish American parade rooted in the belief that Irish identity is enriched by openness, equality, and solidarity with all communities including those who identify as LGBTQ.
Established on March 5, 2000, the parade was initiated by Brendan Fay, a gay Irish immigrant, in response to the exclusion of LGBTQ+ groups like the Irish Lesbian and Gay Organization from the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Manhattan. The march that began as a response to the exclusion of Irish LGBTQ communities from the 5th Avenue parade has now been running for more than 20 years, and continues to be the most inclusive and progressive celebration of Irish culture and solidarity in the USA. St. Pat’s for All’s motto, “cherishing all the children of the nation equally,” is taken from the 1916 Easter Proclamation of the Irish Republic.
What began as a bold statement has grown into a beloved annual tradition, welcoming people of all backgrounds, faiths, identities, and orientations to march together in unity. As a result, this ongoing display of inclusion has resonated with the larger Irish community and has affected change. Now, St. Pat’s for All is supported by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs through their Emigrant Support Programme.
This year’s parade will be led by an extraordinary trio of Grand Marshals whose contributions to arts and culture have had a lasting global impact That trio includes acclaimed actor and author Kate Mulgrew and Irish Repertory Theatre co-founders Charlotte Moore and Ciarán O’Reilly.
Joining them in the march is an impressive roster of special guests, reflecting the parade’s broad commitment to civic leadership, human rights, culture, and community. Among this group are New York State Attorney General Letitia James, Consul General of Ireland Gerald Angley, former EU Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore, The Irish Echo Publisher Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, City of Derry Parliamentarian Colum Eastwood, and the New York Rose of Tralee winner Billie Cooper.
This year’s St. Pat’s for All Parade is also dedicated to its beloved friend and long-time supporter Malachy McCourt. The larger-than-life writer, actor, humorist, and anti-war activist has had a long time involvement with the parade. In 2023, McCourt had been ill with a number of health problems, including a heart condition and various cancers. He died at Lenox Hill Hospital on March 11, 2024, at 92.
Celebrating 27 years of inclusion, equality, and community, the parade has been a vibrant celebration which features various community groups, cultural organizations, plus musicians and dancers. In doing so, it brings together New Yorkers and visitors alike in a joyful expression of shared values.
The parades return once again to 43rd Street & Skillman Avenue to gather at 12 noon (until 4p) on Sunday March 1st. It kicks off at 1pm. There marcher will gather to celebrate immigrant history and heritage, Irish and Celtic, in the hospitable communities of Sunnyside and Woodside.
Said parade organizers, “The St. Pat’s for All Parade is about honoring Irish culture and Irish American while affirming a simple and powerful message, Everyone belongs.”
For more information, updates, or media inquiries, please contact the St. Pat’s for All Parade Committee through the website: https://www.stpatsforall.org/