The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Chicago has been cancelled for the second-straight year. The South Side Irish Parade will also not be happening. 

Last year Mayor Lori Lightfoot cancelled the parade a week before the event. This confused many business owners, and many people ignored health officials who advised against celebrating the holiday in large gatherings. This year, there has been a clear message sent to the masses and now business owners know what to expect from the virus. 

Even though the parade is cancelled, there are still other ways to celebrate the holiday. There will be a virtual event called “Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Parade” that will feature scenes from past parades and the dyeing of the Chicago River. After the South Side Irish Parade was cancelled, they came up with an alternative, “Shamrock Our Blocks”, a house-decorating contest. There will be a panel of judges that will pick five winners and they will receive a prize. 

People that want to celebrate can also eat at and support local restaurants and bars as the city of Chicago has reinstated indoor dining. 

Although most of the festivities are cancelled this year, people can expect a bigger than ever celebration next year. According to “WTTW”, next year’s parade is planned for March 13, 2022, and the parade will pay homage to first responders and essential workers.