Buffalo Celebrates Irish Heritage

By Katie Dusza

One of the most popular St. Patrick’s Day events in the city is the parade hosted by United Irish American Association’s (UIAA). This year’s parade took place on Saturday March 15, 2026 at 2 p.m. According to their website, the UIAA’s goal is, “to conduct a great family friendly, religious, patriotic, and civic event in Buffalo that honors Saint Patrick and displays the Irish contributions to our community and country.”

The Parade (as it is referred to by the UIAA) was recognized in 2010 in an article in the magazine “Ireland of the Welcomes” published in Dublin, Ireland for having one of the most-worth mentioning St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the country. The “Ireland of the Welcomes” includes the following praise for the parade, “The Parade, which begins near Buffalo’s art deco City Hall, draws people of all nationalities. The enthusiastic crowds line Delaware Avenue as the Irish dancers, bands, civic organizations, and others march proudly in celebration and in honor of St. Patrick.” 

The first St. Patrick's Day parade in Buffalo was held on March 17, 1916. Irish immigrant John Carmody was the Grand Marshal of the 1916 parade. Carmody and his younger brother immigrated to Buffalo from Ballybunnion, County Kerry Ireland in before the start of World War I. His aunt and uncle owned a confectionery on Seneca Street in Buffalo. He would enter the service in 1918 after the United States entered WWI, according to the exhibit archive “Buffalo Never Fails: The Queen City and World War I” on the Buffalo Erie County Public Library website.

In addition, The Parade on the Old First Ward celebrated its 31st annual Old Neighborhood Parade. The parade began at the Valley Community Center before going through nearby streets with hundreds of spectators. Simultaneously, the neighborhood sees one of the busiest days of the year. 

The Old First Ward is such a staple to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations for its deep Irish roots. In the 1800s, the neighborhood became known as the “Irish First Ward” because of the spirited Irish population. Now, the Old First Ward is known for its tight knit community, historic architecture and Irish-American businesses. 

St. Patrick’s Day is a staple of Buffalo culture for people to celebrate the rich Irish culture regardless of their background.