With over 50,000 visitors
For its twelfth edition, the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec promises a new explosion of music and festivities in the picturesque streets of Québec. We are proud to once again welcome prestigious bagpipe and percussion groups from New York, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto.
1,000 participants
Let's bring Quebec City to life together! Join the celebration and sign up to be one of the participating groups in the 2025 Parade!
180 volunteers
Various positions are available: from welcoming guests to ensuring security and assisting with setup. Contribute to the festive atmosphere by joining the team!
The classics
Four international bagpipe and percussion groups are part of the celebration, including:
- Boston (Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums)
- New York (Pipes & Drums Of The Emerald Society of the New York City Police Department)
- Chicago (Pipes and Drums of the Chicago Police Department)
- Toronto (Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drums).
The Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec offers a unique opportunity to see all these groups perform at the same event.
The ceremonial unit of the Quebec City Police Service also joins the celebration along with the Olde Fort St. Andrew’s of the 78th Fraser Highlanders, the Titans de Québec, the Éclairs de Québec and other groups.
Grand Marshal 2025 : Bruce Kirkwood
Bruce Kirkwood was born in Québec City and baptized at St. Pat’s Church, son of Thérèse Paquet and Veteran SSgt Mark Kirkwood, a licensed city tour guide. After Mark’s discharge in 1964, the family settled in Shannon, a move that undeniably helped forge a sense of community spirit and belonging.
Bruce’s volunteering started as of twelve years old in 1969 when he was the “in-house” DJ for the numerous weekend dance parties at the original Shannon Hall and it continued into the current venue that has hosted diverse cultural activities since 1974.
Building a home in Valcartier, his career as a “professional volunteer” had him involved in the fire department, community television and historical committee. An accomplished musician and singer, his implication with renowned musical events such as the Valcartier Country Show and Shannon Irish Show was a sure fit. Known locally as the guy to call when things need to be done, he eagerly provided sound equipment and technical support for a multitude of gatherings throughout the years.
It takes a village – in this case, two: Shannon and Valcartier – to raise a passionate volunteer. Bruce’s devoted commitment to the Défilé came about honestly through a passion for history and tradition. After serving on the board for ten years, he stepped down as VP Operations in 2023.
A well-practised genealogist, his research has revealed family ties to counties Wicklow and Carlow, to name but a few. It’s no wonder that the Québec foothills felt familiar to his Flynn, Burns, McKenna and Gilmour ancestors.
Bruce is overwhelmingly proud to be the second Grand Marshal from the Northern Crown, after the awe-inspiring Mrs. Pauline Bigaouette McCarthy and hopes for an enduring Défilé which pays respect to those who came before.
A Colorful Parade
Citizens will also see Irish wolfhounds, Celtic dance troupes, leprechauns, historical reenactments, circus artists, a Gaelic football team, and several Irish founding families participating in the event year after year. In total, more than 50 participant groups join the Parade!
Several centuries of history: the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec
1837-1916
The first St. Patrick's Day Parade made its appearance in 1837 in Quebec. In 1916, the event took a pause due to political conflicts in Ireland.
1921-1926
In 1921, the parade returned until 1926 and was abandoned for the same reasons. However, other festivities celebrating St. Patrick continued to take place in the following years.
2009
In June 2009, Peter Farrell, an Irish native of Sligo established in Quebec, along with some friends, dreamt of reviving the Quebec City parade. They then created a Facebook group, which quickly gathered over a thousand members in a few days. They continued their promotional activities, gaining attention on radios and in newspapers.
2010 à 2025
After an 84-year absence, the St. Patrick's Day Parade returned to Quebec City. Now boasting nearly 1,000 participants, including the famous bagpipe and percussion groups from New York, Boston, Chicago, and Toronto. With 50,000 spectators annually, the Défilé de la Saint-Patrick de Québec is now a tradition in the city, standing as a major event in the St. Patrick's Day festivities.
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