Each year, families from all over Rockland County gather to participate in and witness the renowned St. Patrick's Day parade in Pearl River. The ceremony is the second largest in all of New York State and 10th in the country, and was held on Sunday, March 17, 2024 from 1:30 to 4:00 pm at 28 Railroad Avenue. The celebration consists of copious amounts of traditional Irish food, fun, and various festivities.
The parade is sponsored by the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and Rockland County Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). Hibernia is the Classic Latin name for Ireland, taken from Greek geographical accounts. The AOH is an Irish-Catholic fraternal organization founded in New York City in 1836. Though, Rocklands local division was formed in 1962.
In past parades, over 100,000 spectors have attended, weather permitted. About 2,000 people from various Irish and Irish-American groups, Catholic schools, bands, veterans groups and other community organizations will march. This year marked the 60th year of the parade, with more Irish spirit than ever before.