About the Parade

History

Since the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1858, the City of Atlanta has supported the Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in memory of the heroic efforts of Father Thomas O’Reilly and of the Hibernian Rifles.  Oakland Cemetery contains a plot dedicated to the Hibernian Rifles in gratitude for their service to the city. HBSA members can still be buried there today.

Over the years the parade has grown. It now attracts more than 200 units and is produced by Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade, Inc., a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, which is made up of representatives of Atlanta’s wide ranging Irish community. Among the goals of the group are the education of the public about the significant contributions made by the Irish to Atlanta, the South and the United States.

Participation in the parade is not just an “Irish thing”. The parade attracts individuals and groups from around the city and the South including clowns, floats, bands, Bagpipe & Drum Corps, children, dancers, drill teams, and more. All groups are encouraged to participate as long as their unit is appropriate for a “family” event. The emphasis is on children, schools and immigrants, and of course, fun!

Committee

The Parade Committee is made up of representatives from Atlanta’s Irish Groups who desire to celebrate their Irish Heritage and share their pride and success with our community. We are a group of dedicated people, both Irish born and Irish-American, who want to promote the Irish Heritage through the St. Patrick’s Parade, and through educational and cultural programs throughout the year.

Members of the Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta, the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), Clan Na nGael, Firefighters Emerald Society of Metro Atlanta (FESMA), the Metro Atlanta Police Emerald Society (MAPES) and the Irish Chamber all serve on the parade committee.

The parade takes months and countless hours to plan and prepare. A special thank you to all of the volunteers who contribute their time and energy to take the vision and create such an energetic and enjoyable event!

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