Several thousand spectators dressed in green took part in the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Avenue Cartier and Grande Allée this afternoon. The event celebrated its post-pandemic return after three years of missed dates in style.
• Also read: St. Patrick’s Day Parade: Bagpipes return to the streets of Quebec
“It’s such a joy to finally be able to return to the streets of Quebec,” said Stephen Burke, spokesman for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It’s an event that’s part of the city’s identity, welcoming spring in style. »
Electrifying atmosphere
Pipers and percussionists from Quebec, Montreal, Toronto, Boston, New York and Chicago sang traditional tunes from St. Patrick’s High School to Place d’Armes for more than two kilometers downtown.
Vincent Desbiens
The musicians of the Boston Police Department’s Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums at the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Quebec.
All the while, the crowd moving for the occasion gave hearty applause as the musicians and hundreds of other parade participants passed by.
Vincent Desbiens
Five groups of traditional musicians set the mood during the 2023 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade in Quebec City.
Michel Lachance, France Villiard and a few friends were stationed outside the Galway Irish Pub on Cartier Avenue to enjoy the show.
“It was a great parade, we saw many participants stop in front of us to appreciate the effort we put into our accessories,” explains the lady. For me it was the second time, but it is sure that we will come back. »
Ditto for his friend Yves, who is the proud bearer of a large Irish flag with a shamrock. He was particularly “impressed by the mass movement” for the event.
“We see that Saint-Patrick’s Day is taken very seriously in Quebec. It’s a celebration that encourages fraternization,” continues Mr. Lachance.
fraternity
With all the people gathered along the route, it’s evident that St. Patrick’s Day holds special significance for both the Irish community and local Quebecers.
Vincent Desbiens
A dozen Irish greyhounds paraded at the heart of the procession in Quebec’s Saint Patrick’s parade.
In the eyes of Stephen Burke, the traditional festival’s parade continues the “long tradition of brotherhood between the two peoples” since the massive arrival of the Irish in the 19th century.
“It was an instant love affair between the two nations. Our ancestors shared many values and religion, so the welcome from Quebecers was very warm. We build on this relationship every year. »
Do you have any information about this story that you would like to share with us?
Do you have a scoop that might be of interest to our readers?
Write to us or call us directly at 1-800-63SCOOP.