Thousands Gather to Celebrate Irish Culture at San Francisco’s 174th St. Patrick’s Day Parade
San Francisco’s iconic Market Street was drenched in green as thousands of people gathered to celebrate Irish culture at the 174th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Hosted by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco, the event highlighted the rich history and contributions of the Irish community, drawing spectators from near and far.
This year’s parade, which featured dazzling floats, marching bands, traditional Irish dancers, and representatives from schools, youth organizations, labor unions, and first responders, was a vibrant display of community spirit. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, donning a green tie, welcomed the crowd with warm greetings.
The parade’s theme, “The Immigrant’s Story,” honored the significant role Irish immigrants have played in shaping the city’s history. Participants took pride in acknowledging their cultural heritage and the lasting impact of their contributions to San Francisco’s identity.
A special moment of recognition was given to the grand marshal of the event, Mark Gorman, a proud native of Montrath, Ireland, who immigrated to San Francisco in 1990. Gorman, a key figure in the city’s Irish community, is known for his work with the San Francisco Youth Gaelic Athletic Association and has long been a passionate advocate for Irish culture.
The parade also paid tribute to three honorary grand marshals who passed away in 2023: Marie Gavney, a dedicated nurse and community leader from County Cavan; Jerry Cassidy, a beloved volunteer and contributor to the United Irish Cultural Center; and Sister Mary Edith Hurley, a teacher and longtime advocate for Irish dance in the Bay Area.
While this year’s parade did not feature the traditional post-parade festival at Civic Center, attendees were encouraged to continue the celebrations at the United Irish Cultural Center and other events throughout the city. Despite the change in format, the spirit of the parade was as strong as ever, bringing the Irish community together in a lively celebration of their shared heritage and history.
