St Patrick's Day parade in Boston

Anyone doubting the importance of Irish culture in the US need look no further than Boston in Massachusetts on March 20th this year.

600,000 people will take to the streets to participate in the 106th St Patrick's Day parade, celebrating the Irish national holiday in style.

Additional highlights include live music from Irish band the Chieftains, a Battle of the Bagpipes event and local NBA basketball team the Boston Celtics, who will be donning an Irish version of their team uniform for their matches.

"In the spirit of St. Patrick's Day, we will be celebrating the unique heritage of the Celtics in a way that is fun for both our fans and players," said Rich Gotham, the team's executive vice president.

The city also has to offer an Irish Heritage Trail and a museum celebrating the links between former US President John F Kennedy and his ancestral homeland.

Boston is renowned for holding one of the largest St Patrick's Day parties in America, a reputation maintained ever since the city's first celebration in 1737.

Posted by Just the Flight, 06 March 2006 16:43

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• Boston