Pittsburgh claims top 10 ranking for St. Patrick's Day festivities
- Pittsburgh received a total score of 60.22, ranking it 10th among U.S. cities for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
- The city's upcoming parade on March 15 is expected to attract 20,000 attendees and will involve significant parking restrictions and transit detours.
- The high ranking indicates Pittsburgh's strong St. Patrick's Day traditions, enhancing its reputation as a vibrant celebratory city.
In the United States, Pittsburgh has been recognized as one of the top cities for St. Patrick's Day celebrations, ranking 10th according to a report from WalletHub. The total score given to the city was 60.22, with Boston securing the top position at 70.71. WalletHub conducted an extensive analysis comparing 200 of the largest cities in the U.S. based on 15 different metrics related to seasonal celebrations. Notably, Pittsburgh excelled in St. Patrick's Day traditions and safety, receiving high marks in those categories. Preparations for the festivities in Pittsburgh are underway, with the Department of Public Safety coordinating efforts for the anticipated events. The city's renowned parade will take place on March 15, 2025, with a turnout of approximately 20,000 people expected. Beginning at 4:00 a.m., stringent parking restrictions will be enforced along the parade route that runs from Liberty Avenue and Grant Street to Stanwix Street. This year’s parade promises to deliver a vibrant display of Irish culture, joining thousands in celebrating this cultural holiday. To accommodate the expected crowd, Pittsburgh Regional Transit will implement bus detours starting at 7:00 a.m. on March 15, impacting usual transit routes due to the parade and other festivities. The organizers, the Irish Society for Education and Charity Inc., are set to host a family-friendly celebration in Market Square from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This event will feature entertainment, food, and various activities, all within a pedestrian-friendly area. Despite being ranked highly for its traditions, Pittsburgh’s scores on the cost of celebrations and annual weather conditions were less favorable. The city received a score of 113 for costs, indicating that attendees might find it somewhat expensive to celebrate, and a score of 183 for weather forecasts, suggesting that weather might be less than ideal this year. The upcoming celebrations illustrate Pittsburgh's capacity to host major gatherings and its strong connection to Irish heritage, reflecting broader national trends where St. Patrick's Day has become an important cultural event for many Americans.