Some favorite moments from the Savannah St. Patrick's Day 200th anniversary Parade
Richard Burkhart, Savannah Morning News
·2 min read
A pipe and drum band moves along Broughton Street during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
In case you haven’t noticed St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is kind of a big deal. In a lot of ways, it’s our Mardi Gras compressed into one big day. This year was bigger than ever as the Parade Committee celebrated the 200th anniversary of the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. There were more than 300 entries in the 4-hour long parade. We set out to provide the absolute best coverage that we could for such a momentous occasion.
Below you will find some of our photographer’s favorite moments from the day, as well as some videos captured by our reporters throughout the morning. I hope you enjoy this look back at the 2024 Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Calm before the chaos
This was my 18th parade for the Savannah Morning News. I’ve always been out on the parade route throughout the day, but this year I took the early morning shift and transitioned to photo editor for the parade. Starting out the morning at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist for the annual Mass has always felt special to me. Being in such a beautiful and sacred place is such a grounding experience and contrast to the hustle and chaos outside on the streets. ― Richard Burkhart, Visual Journalist Savannah Morning News
Children walk down the aisle during the St. Patrick's Day Mass on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the Cathedral Basilica of St. John The Baptist.
Most Rev. Jaques Fabre-Jeune gives the homily to a group of children during the St. Patrick's Day Mass on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Bishop Stephen Parkes and Most Rev. Jaques Fabre-Jeune bless Grand Marshal John Forbes during the annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Parade Grand Marshal John Forbes encourages the crowd during the annual Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Governor Brian Kemp and his wife Marty ride in a classic Thunderbird during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
On another level
St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is simply special, but this year, it went to another level as the city celebrated the 200th anniversary of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I could feel the energy during the 'Running of the Squares' that morning at Oglethorpe Square, and the anticipation and excitement just kept building leading up to the parade. It’s hard to describe, but there was a little something extra to it this year. I’m thankful I was there to see it, feel it and capture a few special moments. ― Casey Jones
Bishop Stephen D. Parkes takes a photo of the 200th St. Patrick's Day Parade as it approaches the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist.
What a day for Parade Grand Marshal John Forbes as he walks down Abercorn Street with his family and marshal's aides in the 200th St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Amada and Bryan Jordan of Savannah capture a selfie with their daughter, Carmen, to celebrate their baby's first St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The City of Limerick Pipe Band played plenty of music along the route of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. The band from Ireland also gave several other performances while in Savannah.
Cheryl Hodge of Savannah says she's been to more than 50 St. Patrick's Day Parades. She can usually be found blowing bubbles and waving a flag near Oglethorpe Square.
We're all a little Irish on St. Pat's
I always enjoy photographing parades here in Savannah, especially the St. Patrick's Day Parade. There is always such a strong sense of community throughout the day, and it's a beautiful way to start off the spring season. ― RJ Smith
A child points the way as he rides on a wagon during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A group marches with a large Irish Flag during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Parade participants move along Abercorn during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A parade goer plants a smooch on the cheek of a bagpiper from the LA Police Emerald Society during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Alee Shriner Clowns make their way down Abercorn with bikes and invisible dogs during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A thrilling challenge
Photographing this St. Patrick's Day was amazing. The turnout of people made the experience so thrilling and challenging to execute. It was rewarding to be a part of a historic Savannah milestone. ― Katelyn Myrick
The Highty Tighties march past the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A parade participant goes head over heels along the parade route during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
Grand Marshal John Forbes claps as the Ocoee High School (Fl) marching band passes during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A kissing bandit lays a smooch on a cadet from Benedictine during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
A parade goer is dressed in style during the Savannah St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16, 2024.
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