Snow received’t cease Montreal from celebrating certainly one of its oldest traditions, as 1000’s gathered Sunday for the 201st version of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“At any time when we’re right here for the parade or simply St. Patrick’s Day, we’re all the time making enjoyable,” mentioned Kayla Ann Richer, a Montrealer.
This 12 months’s theme, Little Shamrock’s, Massive Goals, places the highlight on the following technology carrying on the custom.
“Quite a lot of this parade has sort of handed down by the generations. And it’s as a result of we hold getting our youth and our children concerned. Like, my children come to our basic conferences, and so they’re so small. And the custom simply sort of lives on, and youngsters can consider in something, and their goals are huge,” mentioned Nikki Picher-Doyle, Vice-president of promoting and public relations for United Irish Societies of Montreal.
Malea Richer, a youthful Montrealer, mentioned, “My huge dream… is when me and all my household get collectively.”
Daryl, one other younger Montrealer, mentioned his dream is to “Play within the NHL.”
For Alannah Bougie and her husband, this 12 months’s parade director Devin St. James, the celebration is a household custom now being handed on to their son, Hunter.
“It’s our second 12 months, taking part within the parade as our little children are actually concerned,” mentioned Bougie.
Her son Hunter mentioned he’d love to do “the identical job as his dad” sooner or later. As for what that’s? “He’s the parade director, and he goes and tells all people what to do.”
For 3 hours, greater than 90 performers stuffed de Maisonneuve Boulevard — with floats, marching bands, sports activities groups, native organizations and conventional dancers.
“It’s so inclusive. It’s one of many largest occasions that individuals prove to and it simply brings pleasure,” mentioned Picher-Doyle.
Cindy Collin, a Montrealer, mentioned, “Everybody’s simply glad, and so they all come collectively regardless of their historical past and stuff like that.”