Preparations are in full swing for this year’s much-anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Tralee, promising a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and sustainability. Kerry County Council in partnership with Tralee Chamber and The Rose Hotel, is delighted to announce details of the parade, which will take place from 12 o’clock on March 17th.
This year, Tralee proudly welcomes Mr. Joshua A. Garcia, Mayor of Holyoke, Massachusetts, as the Grand Marshal. Holyoke has been an official sister city of Tralee since 2017, and Mayor Garcia’s participation highlights the enduring bond and shared heritage between the two communities.
The parade will also shine a spotlight on local talent and bright minds, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Ciara, Saoirse, and Laoise Murphy, students from Presentation Secondary School, who claimed the top prize at this year’s BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition. Their innovative project has put Tralee firmly on the map as a hub of creativity and forward-thinking.
The theme for this year’s parade, “Waves of Change”, encapsulates the spirit of innovation, environmental stewardship, and the visionary energy shaping Tralee’s future. Floats, costumes, and performances will draw inspiration from marine life, underscoring the need to protect our oceans, beaches, and ecosystems. The parade will also celebrate the role of education and creativity in fostering a brighter, more sustainable world.
Mikey Sheehy, Mayor of Tralee, added “The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the most eagerly awaited events in Tralee’s calendar. It’s a time when the entire community comes together to celebrate what makes us unique. This year’s theme is especially poignant, reminding us of our shared responsibility to care for the world around us while honouring the achievements of our youth. It’s set to be a spectacular day for all ages.”
Commenting on the parade, Colette O’Connor, CEO of Tralee Chamber Alliance, said:
“St. Patrick’s Day in Tralee is more than just a parade – it’s a celebration of our community, our heritage, and our aspirations for the future. This year’s theme, ‘Waves of Change,’ is a call to action for all of us to embrace positive transformation, whether through education, environmental responsibility, or innovation. We are honoured to welcome Mayor Garcia and to celebrate our BT Young Scientist winners, who truly embody the spirit of this theme.”
Dick & Eibhlin Henggeler, Owners of The Rose Hotel said “We are honoured to join with Kerry County Council and Tralee Chamber again this year in co-sponsoring this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. As a cornerstone of the Tralee community, we recognise the importance of coming together to celebrate our shared heritage and values.
Call for Participants: Whether you’re a local dance troupe, a school group, a musical ensemble, or a community organisation, Tralee Chamber Alliance and Kerry County Council invites you to be part of this exciting celebration. Let your creativity shine by bringing the theme “Waves of Change” to life through colourful floats, innovative costumes, and inspiring performances.
How to Apply Applications to participate in the parade are now open! For more information or to submit your entry, see links to the application form on the Tralee Chamber Alliance social media pages or contact stpatricksdaytralee@gmail.com.
Let’s come together to honour our heritage, inspire the future, and ride the “Waves of Change” this St. Patrick’s Day in Tralee.