Sunshine and smiles at Montreal's St. Patrick's Day parade
194th edition of annual event draws thousands to downtown streets
Thousands gathered today to bask in the sunshine at Montreal's annual St. Patrick's Day parade, one of the oldest and largest in North America.
The clear skies and above-freezing temperatures for the 194th edition of the event were a welcome change for revellers after the blizzard earlier this week.
Organized by the United Irish Societies of Montreal, the parade featured more than 20 floats and several marching bands.
It got underway at noon at the corner of Fort and Ste-Catherine Streets. Here's a map of the parade route and the streets to avoid if you're driving today.
Mayor Denis Coderre was the parade's grand marshal, showing off his Irish heritage in style. Coderre has Irish roots stemming from his maternal grandmother's side. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was also in attendance.
.<a href="https://twitter.com/JustinTrudeau">@JustinTrudeau</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/DenisCoderre">@DenisCoderre</a> at the St. Patrick's Day parade <a href="https://t.co/u5bMvK3HfT">pic.twitter.com/u5bMvK3HfT</a>
—@katemckenna8Dogs also took part in the festivities.
Festive puppy at the St. Patrick's Day parade <a href="https://t.co/wusfSbRcy4">pic.twitter.com/wusfSbRcy4</a>
—@katemckenna8And, of course, CBC Montreal was there too.
A beautiful sunny day for the 194th St.Paddy"s Day parade in downtown MONTREAL. The entire CBC Montreal team taking part. <a href="https://twitter.com/DebraArbecCBC">@DebraArbecCBC</a> <a href="https://t.co/2wYtRz4TRs">pic.twitter.com/2wYtRz4TRs</a>
—@fcavallarocbcA full list of participants can be found here, including a group of young hockey players visiting from Ireland.
Hanging out with some excited parade watchers at the corner of Ste. Catherine/McGill College. Irene Bastien comes every year. <a href="https://t.co/z0diwHwAI6">pic.twitter.com/z0diwHwAI6</a>
—@katemckenna8