As the second St. Patrick’s day afflicted by coronavirus approaches, most of the traditional plans are still up in the air. The time honored parades of the past are being forced to adapt yet again.   

Last year most celebrations were cancelled due to the initial lockdown. New York City, which holds the largest parade, was forced to make changes for the first time in 260 years. Other major parade centers cancelled their events completely, making promises of rescheduling only to never be able to deliver.    

Most coordinators and lovers of the holiday were hoping to celebrate normally this year, but unfortunately that is not the case. New York City plans to have a small symbolic parade that will be televised for those interested. Very little of the parade will be live, mostly being composed of past marches and messages made by government officials. There is a heavy focus on honoring first responders this year, and new ways for average citizens to get involved.  For more information visit this site.  

The commissioners feel celebration is entirely important seeing as the New York City parade predates the Declaration of Independence. Sean Lane, the parade’s board chairman, said, “We have made it abundantly clear to the mayor and his people that this will be our 260th year in a row. It is absolutely essential that we have some sort of parade.”.

Along with the parade a lot of programs will be held online in celebration. Philadelphia plans to air a past parade for people to enjoy at home, but they will not be hosting anything this year.  All Westchester parades have also been cancelled, along with most of the major parades in the US, including Boston’s and New Orleans’.

Although this year will be a smaller celebration, plans for next year are already underway. Hilary Beirne, chief administrative officer of New York’s parade said in an interview “For next year, I can assure you, we are going to have the best and largest parade ever.”