Savannah celebrates Irish heritage with second largest parade in U.S.

Next to New York City, Savannah has the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the country, always held on March 17. The rollicking parade includes floats, marching bands, service members and the Budweiser Clydesdale horses.

Irish roots run deep in Savannah. The Irish were some of the first settlers to the city in 1734, with large waves coming during the Irish potato famine, which started in 1845. The Hibernian Society organized the first procession in 1813. The Society invited the public to attend mass and join a parade in 1824.

The city’s Irish heritage, good weather and open container laws helped spur its growth.

– Jan Schroder, The Georgia 100