Why Halifax's St. Patrick's Day parade is happening 6 days early

While St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday this year, the parade in Halifax now in its 11th year happened six days earlier.

"We are all volunteers and most of us are involved in several other ventures on St. Patrick's Day. It's a very busy day," said parade chair Brian Doherty. "We thought the parade deserved the attention for one day on its own."

Having the parade on a Sunday is also strategic, Doherty said, because the actual St. Patrick's Day falls on a different day every year. He said more people can come watch it on a weekend versus a weekday.

'A good spectacle'

The paradestartedSunday, March 11 at 1 p.m. on Terminal Road by Pier 21. It madeits way alongLower Water Street andendedat Historic Properties.

According to parade volunteer, Sue Uteck, the route goes through what was once known in Halifax as Irishtown.

"This is our second year on this route," said Uteck. "This former area here along Lower Water Street right through to Histroic Properties, this is where the Irish settled when they first came to Halifax."

An after partywas planned at The Lower Deck Waterfront restaurant.

"People are welcome to come, watch all the various floats. We have upwards of 40 participants this year so it's going to be a good spectacle," said Doherty.

He said the parade, which isorganized by members of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Society,is a way of celebrating Irishness, but he said it's for everyone to enjoy.

Ideas for St. Patrick's Day

"Alarge part of the population of Nova Scotia has Irish heritage, but it's not exclusively Irish. I mean, we welcome everyone. It's more about a celebration of an attitude to life," said Doherty.

There are plenty of events happening on St. Patrick's Dayincluding a dinner organized by the Charitable Irish Society at the Marriott Habourfrontwhere Mary McAleese, former president of Ireland, will be the guest speaker, Doherty said.

Halifax City Hall will be lit up in green for March. 17.

Doherty said St. Patrick's Day will be especially important to rugby fans asIreland is playing England in the Rugby Six Nations Championship.