Celebrating Irish Heritage in Western Mass
Parades, Music, Celebrations & More

Staking a claim as the most Irish state in the Nation (24 percent of the state claims Irish ancestry), Massachusetts celebrates all month long with parades, celebrations, music and events highlighting a rich and cultural heritage. This St. Patrick’s Day season, don’t miss out on some of the biggest and most colorful parades and events happening in Western Mass, and all across the state.

To follow are events that celebrate St. Patrick’s Day happening here in Western MA:

Sunday, March 7th
2pm – IRISH TEA PARTY: Celebrate St. Patrick with entertainment and refreshments. An afternoon show that features local musicians and dancers, as well as refreshments, raffles and selection of essay contest winners from local children. At the Cultural Centre at Elms College. 413 265-2537 www.irish-cairde.org Chicopee, MA

Thursday, March 11th
7:30pm – THE IRISH ROVERS AT THE COLONIAL THEATRE: These international ambassadors of Irish music will deliver a rollicking, rousing performance of good cheer that will have audiences on their feet, singing and clapping along. At The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street. 413 997-4444 www.thecolonialtheatre.org Pittsfield, MA

Wednesday, March 17th
ST. PATRICK’S DAY AT JIMINY PEAK MOUNTAIN RESORT – St. Patrick’s Day e-coupon on March 17th. Green snow on parts of the mountain along with green beer and other special events. Click here to sign up for your e-coupons. 413 738-5500 www.jiminypeak.com Hancock, MA

Sunday, March 21st
Noon – ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE: The 55th annual Holyoke Parade is reckoned to be one of the largest in the nation. The parade is the culmination of numerous Irish events in March that celebrate the Irish community of western Massachusetts, many of whom emigrated from County Kerry and the Blasket Islands in the 20th century. 413 533-1700 www.holyokestpatricksparade.com Holyoke, MA

• Check the Hilltown Families Weekly List of Suggested Events for more events happening in Western Mass for families.

Parades Happening In Other Regions of Massachusetts

• Saturday, March 6th, 11:00 am
  Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Yarmouth, MA
  508 362-7239 www.capecodstpatsparade.com
• Sunday, March 14th, Noon
  St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Worcester, MA
  508 755-1955 www.stpatsparade.com
• Sunday, March 14th, 1:00 pm
  St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Boston, MA
  617 268-7955 www.saintpatricksdayparade.com/boston/boston.htm
• Sunday, March 14th, 1:00 pm
  St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Scituate, MA
  781 545-6671 www.scituatechamber.org
• Sunday, March 21st, 1:00 pm
  St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Abington, MA
  781 878-1570 or 781-878-7785
• Sunday, March 21st, 1:00 pm
  St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Lawrence, MA
  978 794-5858

For a complete listing of the state’s happenings, visit www.irishmassachusetts.com.

Photo credit: (ccl) D Sharon Pruitt