The St. Patrick’s Day parade is back in Toronto after being canceled for two years in a row due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The March 20 event marks the beginning of the reopening of the city.
Sean O’Shea, spokesperson for the St. Patrick’s Parade Society, said it was about time to reopen.
“This is our first event in two years, and this is more than enough reason to celebrate,” he said. “My favorite part is seeing the masses of people in the streets, enjoying the event and celebrating.”
A traditional band marching at the St. Patricks Parade in downtown Toronto on March 20. It's the first major event to return since the pandemic hit in March 2020. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio
O’Shea said he believes hundreds of thousands of people attended the parade in downtown Toronto.
The most recent reopening plans were announced by the Ontario government in January. Among the measures that allowed this event to happen was the removal of the limit of people attending an open event.
People waving the Irish flag and tricolours at the March 21 Toronto St. Patrick's Parade. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio
Ryan Barr, a drummer at St. Patrick’s Parade, says it is great to be back.
“I was a little nervous about the crowds but it definitely felt good to be back,” he said. “It was a lot of fun. I think people still need to be careful, but this was one of the most exciting parades I’ve been part of.
“The atmosphere was terrific,” Barr said.
A giant green fish made of balloons "swims" along Queen Street West during the Toronto St. Patricks Parade on March 21. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade was the first of the biggest events in Toronto to cancel in 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic and remained cancelled in 2021.
This year’s parade began at the corner of St. George Street and Bloor Street West, and then travelled east to Yonge Street and then south before ending at Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall.
For Aaleem Khimani, who has been in Toronto for six months now, the reopening of the city meant a chance to connect with Torontonians.
A Mexican band joined the Toronto St. Patricks Parade on March 21. Photo credit: Barbara Patrocinio
“It is great to finally see people’s faces and smiles,” he said. “I have the feeling that it is going to be more fun and that I will have the chance to really connect with new people now.”
Beatriz Donato, 11, was very happy to be able to attend the parade.
“I loved how they had different bands, costumes, and styles. And other cultures were also included, like Asian and Mexican. I think it was super cool,” she said.
Most face mask requirements were removed on March 21, following provincial guidance. Everyone in Toronto should still follow public health guidance to protect reopening progress.