Photos: Irish spirit keeps spectators warm for a snowy St. Patrick's Parade in downtown Montreal
Celtic melodies rang out across a snowy downtown Montreal Sunday as
Canada’s oldest St. Patrick’s Parade
marched down de Maisonneuve Blvd. for its 201st edition.
Falling this year on the third day of spring, the parade took place against a decidedly wintry backdrop, with snow falling throughout the midday event.
Kilt-clad bagpipers and drummers seemed unfussed as their bare legs were left exposed to the biting cold. Environment Canada recorded a -9 C wind chill, and some people speculated the weather had dampened turnout.
“Yesterday would have been a better day,” with its clear skies and sunny weather, said Pamela Wallace, a Montrealer who said she comes out to the parade every year to celebrate her Irish heritage.
“I’m missing my blanket,” said Wallace, who, with her lawn chair and green clothing, was otherwise well equipped for the festivities.
While some told The Gazette there were fewer spectators than in years past, paradegoers were certainly not in short supply. Spectators lined the route in the hundreds, cheering as participants marched by.
“Thank you for coming in the snow,” one waving participant told the spectators along the route.
Paradegoers pointed in amazement when the characteristic giant statues were wheeled down the boulevard. Others danced along to the tunes carried by pipers, marching bands and music-blaring floats.
The Royal West Academy Honour Band played a rendition of What Will We Do With a Drunken Sailor. The CN Rail float played boppier tunes through its loudspeakers, including Waka Waka by Shakira.
The 92 participating groups marched for well over an hour, concluding the parade after 1:30 p.m. Many participants and spectators commuted home by public transit, making for métro cars awash with green.
