St. Patrick's Day brings Irish cheer to Downtown LA

Councilmember LaBonge rides through historic Pershing Square at the 10th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Concert.
Photo by Frank Borden

Thousands of Angelenos decked out in green filled the streets of Downtown Los Angeles on Tuesday, March 17 for the 10th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Concert. Proceeds from the fun and free event went to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department Historical Society.

“As a native son of Los Angeles with deep Irish roots, I’m proud to see this wonderful, family friendly event light up the heart of Downtown,” said Councilmember LaBonge, the parade's top promoter. “Today is a great day for all of us to come together and celebrate this vibrant culture in Los Angeles.”

The parade began at historic Olvera Street and featured a number of prominent Irish-Americans including Grand Marshal Robert Patrick and LAPD Chief William Bratton, representatives from Los Angeles' 25 Sister Cities, police officers and firefighters, and many more.

As the parade ended, the celebration continued at Pershing Square with a performance of the National Anthem by Lorenzo Lamas, booths serving Irish food and drink, and a free concert by world famous Irish rockers Young Dubliners.