3000 Performers bring Dublin to Life for the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Today, Tuesday March 17th, more than 3,000 performers, artists, musicians and volunteers will take to the streets of Dublin for the National St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, the spectacular centrepiece of Ireland’s national celebration of St. Patrick’s Day.

Thousands of visitors are expected to line the parade route through Dublin city centre, while audiences around the world tune in to watch the celebrations broadcast live on RTÉ One and internationally via RTÉ Player, as performers, artists, musicians and community participants bring the city to life through colour, pageantry, music and performance.  

Visitors have travelled from across Ireland and around the world to experience the iconic event, which forms the highlight of the four-day St. Patrick’s Festival, taking place from 14-17th March. 

This year’s Festival theme, ‘Roots’, explores identity, belonging and shared stories across generations, celebrating the traditions, communities and creative voices that continue to shape Ireland today. The Parade reflects this theme through imaginative storytelling, striking design and vibrant performances that celebrate Ireland’s cultural heritage while embracing new perspectives and contemporary creativity. 

Broadcaster, author and proud Irishwoman Vogue Williams will serve as Grand Marshal for the National Parade through the heart of Dublin. 

The 2026 National Parade features 12 large-scale pageants and floats created by some of Ireland’s most celebrated parade companies, each bringing its own unique artistic vision to the streets of Dublin. 

Returning festival favourites include Macnas, Bui Bolg, Spraoi, Inishowen Carnival Group, Curious State, Volkidana, The Outing Queer Arts Collective, Artastic and ArtFX, alongside exciting new contributions from Lumen Street Theatre and Show CoMotion, a new Dublin-based parade company making its Festival debut. 

A special first-time appearance is from The Rotunda Hospital, who will present a dedicated float designed by ArtFX, adding another unique moment to this year’s celebration. 

Together, these companies create a breathtaking procession of larger-than-life figures, intricate floats, theatrical performances and live music, transforming Dublin city centre into a moving canvas of storytelling and spectacle, with additional contributions from Irish Ferries and Kia, both proud participants and supporters of this year’s Parade. 

A highlight of the National Parade is the participation of international marching bands, travelling from Scotland and the United States. 

Eight bands from across the United States, representing Ohio, Arizona, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Mississippi, Indiana and Texas, will join Irish performers in a vibrant display of music and pageantry, reflecting the deep cultural ties between Ireland and its global diaspora. 

Festival goers are also welcomed to step into the spirit of traditional Irish dance at the Céilí Mór at Merrion Square West from 2pm, where people of all ages can join in the fun led by Dearbhla Lennon, a former Riverdancer and champion Irish step-dancer, and featuring the winners of the Senior Céilí Band Competition at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2025; Glór na dTonn Céilí Band from Mayo. 

Accessibility and inclusivity continue to play an important role in this year’s Festival with the return of the Relaxed Parade Space, sponsored by Dublin City Council in partnership with AsIAm, and supported by Bank of Ireland, Neuroconvergence Ireland and Neurodiversity Ireland. 

Located at College Green, the dedicated viewing space provides additional room for movement, sensory-friendly areas and seating options, ensuring that neurodivergent audiences and those who benefit from a more flexible environment could comfortably enjoy the Parade. 

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Councillor Ray McAdam said: “The St. Patrick’s Day Parade captures the very soul of Dublin and Ireland. Through colour, music, creativity and spectacle, this year’s theme of Roots reminds us where we come from while celebrating the diverse and dynamic Ireland we have become. It is a moment of real magic when our capital city becomes a stage for the imagination of an entire nation.” 

Speaking about today’s National Parade, Richard Tierney, CEO of St. Patrick’s Festival said: ‘The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the culmination of months of work from artists, makers, volunteers and communities across Ireland. Seeing thousands of people come together on the streets of Dublin to celebrate creativity, culture and shared identity is always a very special moment. This year’s theme, Roots, invited us to reflect on where we come from and what connects us, and today’s parade brought those ideas to life through extraordinary artistry, storytelling and collaboration. It was wonderful to welcome audiences from across Ireland and around the world to experience this celebration together.’ 

St. Patrick’s Festival 2026, supported by the Government of Ireland, the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Fáilte Ireland and Dublin City Council, has brought four days and nights of celebrations to the capital, featuring a vibrant city-wide programme of music, street theatre, dance, comedy, craft and participatory performance. 

For more information visit: www.stpatricksfestival.ie 

Join the conversation and share your Festival experiences on social media using: 

#spf26 #stpatricksfestival 

Slán go fóill.