Thousands of people filled the streets of South Boston for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The event, held in Boston, Massachusetts, is one of the largest celebrations of Irish heritage in the United States. Crowds came from across the state and beyond to watch marching bands, floats, veterans’ groups and local organisations move through the neighbourhood.
Police stood along the route as Irish dancers, bagpipers and Revolutionary War reenactors passed by. Spectators cheered loudly from behind barriers, many wearing green beads, shamrock hats and Boston Celtics clothing. Some people waved Irish flags, while others watched from porches and rooftops above the busy streets. Parents pushed young children in strollers decorated with Irish flags as the parade went by.
This year, city officials changed the parade route slightly to help manage the large crowds. Boston has strong Irish roots, so the parade is an important tradition for many families. The celebration also often takes place near Evacuation Day, which remembers when British troops left Boston in 1776. This year, Evacuation Day will be marked on Tuesday.
