Syracuse’s 43rd St. Patrick’s Parade will set off on March 15th – 315 day! The theme of the 2025 St. Patrick’s Parade is “Irish in the 315.” The theme celebrates “315 Day,” a holiday for celebrating local pride, which was established by Mayor Ben Walsh and County Executive Ryan McMahon in 2022.
The St. Patrick’s Parade will celebrate this tradition of movement and travel with two honorees: Grand Marshal Mayor Ben Walsh and Gael of the Year Meg O’Connell.
Mayor Ben Walsh’s two terms have included many challenges and successes, from the days of the COVID-19 pandemic, through debates and decisions about I-81, to industry changes on the horizon with the planned Micron developments, Walsh has been a diplomatic leader. The city’s first independent mayor, Walsh has dedicated much of his career and personal life to building a better future for Syracuse. It’s only fitting that in his last year in office, during which Parade Day falls on 315 Day, he heads the Parade.
Meg O’Connell, Executive Director of the Allyn Foundation, and the Gael of the Year, has also played a pivotal role in stunning new changes to the region and, in particular, Downtown Syracuse. In 2019, Meg led the creation of a 78,000 sq. ft. building in downtown Syracuse known as the Salt City Market, a multi-purpose building of eateries, apartments and offices that has revitalized its end of South Salina St. The market has been a favorite viewing location for parade-goers since the first post-pandemic parade in 2022. In addition to their work with the market, the Allyn Foundation supports programs throughout the region that foster positive change and create opportunities.
For parade participants, a new prize is being introduced for the winners of the float competitions! The winner of each category will receive a plaque and free entry to the 2026 parade. The categories are: Best Not-for-Profit Float, Best Parish/School Float, Best Business/Corporate Float, Best Pipe Band, Best High School Band, and Best Non-High School Band. Scoring is based on: Originality, Parade Theme, Design, Craftsmanship and Enthusiasm.
The Parade is embarking on the 18th year of the St. Patrick Hunger Project. The Hunger Project raises funds and collects food for local food pantries to fight hunger in CNY. To date, the Hunger Project has provided over 1,060,000 meals for children and families in the community.
The parade will begin at 12 p.m. on March 15, marching through downtown Syracuse along Nancy Duffy Lane (South Salina Street).