Community. Celebration. Festivities. These are all key elements of what makes up Dublin’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a tradition that Dublin looks forward to each and every year. Taking place early in the morning on March 15th down Village Parkway, this parade is the kickoff to the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Followed by a festival afterwards, people from all ages get to participate, whether it is being recognized for a sport or walking with elementary school kids. Students at Dublin High have even been in it in years past, and according to them, it is one of their favorite pastimes.
“I watched the parade when I was younger because my older sister was in it,” said Susie Viazzo, a senior at Dublin High. “I also marched with Girl Scouts from first through fourth grade.”
This was a tradition not only carried throughout Dublin, but in Viazzo’s family as well. She liked being in the parade back then, and still does now.
“I like being in the parade for Colorguard,” she continued. “It’s really fun and you get to see a bunch of different groups that the Dublin community supports.”
Similar to Viazzo, senior Vanessa Verdugo has also been in the parade.
“I was in the parade four years in a row, one year with the Tri Valley Falcons cheer team, one with Dougherty, and two at Fallon,” she states. For Verdugo, her favorite part about being in it was being interactive with all the little kids there.
“It’s something unique that no other city near us does, and it’s a fun little tradition to be a part of!” Verdugo explained.
Aside from the students, even Tim Sbranti, the mayor of Dublin, enjoys this celebration each year.
“We’ve been doing this parade since 1983,” he said. “To me, seeing the entire community really does define Dublin. It brings the community together as a timeless right of passage.” Mr. Sbranti loves the parade because it gives a small town feel and is filled with entertainment.
As this tradition lives on, more and more groups walk in the parade each year. As a way to support our community, students can go to walk with their friends or watch with their family. The St. Patrick’s Day parade is an event that is appropriate for all ages.