It’s an honor to step into the role of Editor-in-Chief at BostonMan Magazine, a publication that celebrates the city I love. Boston is more than just a place to me—it’s home, a collection of memories, and a community rich with history and tradition. And as I take on this new role, there’s one tradition in particular that’s been on my mind: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in South Boston.
For nearly two decades, I’ve covered this event in various capacities, watching it evolve and grow. I’ve seen firsthand what this day means to the people of Boston, and particularly to the people of Southie. I’ve celebrated alongside parade-goers, witnessed two of my best friends get engaged in the midst of the revelry, and even had the privilege of marching in the parade myself a few years ago. This parade isn’t just an event—it’s a living tribute to Boston’s Irish heritage, a history that defines so much of the city’s character.
And now, there’s talk of moving it downtown.
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a staple of Southie for 124 years. The neighborhood itself was built by Irish immigrants, families who came here seeking opportunity and built a community that still carries their legacy. To take the parade away from South Boston would be to sever it from the very place that gave it meaning in the first place. What good would that do? What message would it send?
Yes, there have been problems. Every large-scale celebration faces challenges, and there’s no denying that last year’s parade had its share of incidents—public drinking, property damage, and safety concerns. But these issues don’t justify uprooting a century-old tradition. Instead of moving the parade away, we should be focusing on making it a better, safer celebration of Southie’s heritage.
Boston has tackled much bigger problems before. With the right planning and cooperation, we can preserve the integrity of this event while addressing the concerns of city officials and residents. The changes for this year—earlier start times, increased law enforcement presence, and stricter alcohol regulations—are steps in the right direction. The goal should be refinement, not relocation.
Councilor Ed Flynn and other officials have pointed out the need to better educate newer South Boston residents about the true purpose of the parade. They’re absolutely right. This isn’t just a street party; it’s a celebration of Irish-American pride and a tribute to veterans. The parade has always been about more than just revelry—it’s a reflection of the sacrifices made by those who came before us, of the resilience and spirit of a community that helped shape Boston as we know it today.
And let’s not ignore the practical concerns of a move downtown. Southie’s wide streets and open spaces are far better suited to hosting such a massive event than the tightly packed areas of downtown Boston. Moving the parade wouldn’t solve the problem of rowdy behavior—it would just shift it to a different location, likely creating even more logistical nightmares for city officials and law enforcement.
There’s something irreplaceable about the sight of families lining the streets of Broadway, children waving Irish flags, veterans marching with pride, and local businesses thriving on what is, for many, their biggest day of the year. The parade brings people together in a way that no other Boston event does. It’s a cultural touchstone, a tradition that reminds us of where we came from and who we are.
Boston has always been a city that balances progress with tradition. We’ve modernized without losing our identity, adapted without erasing our history. This should be no different. Instead of taking the easy route by moving the parade, let’s do the hard work of preserving and improving it.
I’m excited to use this platform at BostonMan Magazine to tell stories that matter to this city. Stories about the people, the places, and the traditions that make Boston what it is. And as long as I have a say, you can bet that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Southie will be one of those stories.
Because some things are worth fighting for. And this parade? It’s one of them.
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Mike Fahey is a 4x Emmy winning journalist in Boston.
