More than a parade, a community tradition.
Our Story
What started as a parade has grown into a tradition that people return to year after year.
Founded in 1987, the St Patrick’s Parade Society is a nonprofit organization rooted in Toronto and built through community effort. What began as a local celebration has grown into one of the largest and most diverse St Patrick’s Parade celebrations in the world.
Today, the Society brings people together through the annual parade, the Emerald Forum, Celtic Island, and year-round cultural and community events across the city.
1987
Founded.
First Parade held in
1988
4,000+
Participants
each year
125+
Parade entries from across our community
100%
Volunteer-run and community supported
What We Do
The Parade Festival
Weekend
Our signature event that brings thousands of people downtown every March to celebrate Irish heritage and community spirit.
The Emerald
Forum
A platform for meaningful conversations with leaders from government, industry, labor, and the community.
Community &
Culture
Year-round events that celebrate Irish culture, music, arts and the Irish-Canadian community.
Built by Volunteers, Carried by Community
“It’s not just me. There’s a lot of us putting our best foot forward to make it happen.”
