Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade: new route and street closures

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t until March 17, but Philly will host its long-running parade this Sunday, March 12 from noon to 3 p.m.

This city has celebrated St. Patrick’s Day since 1771, making it one of the oldest celebrations in the country. In particular, the parade has only been around since the 1950s, but it’s still the largest of its kind in the region, drawing some 20,000 participants each year.

Here is this year’s new official parade route:

It begins at 15th and JFK Boulevard, then turns right on 15th and circles Penn Square, continuing down Market Street to Penns Landing.

If you want to check out all of the performances, hang out around 5th and 6th Streets, which is the main performance and reviewing area.

Obviously, this whole route will be closed to drivers and parking. The city’s office of Special Events say that, tentatively, parking will be prohibited beginning at 12 a.m., and the streets will close at 11 a.m. They should open up at 3 p.m following the parade.

Can’t make the event? Fox29 is going to air it live and then replay the whole shebang on the actual St. Patty’s Day on March 17 at 12 p.m.

• Philadelphia St. Patty’s Day Parade [Official]