Scranton’s Controversial St. Patrick’s Day Parade Claim: Fact or Fiction?

Retailers, cities, and towns across the United States often tout themselves as the largest or most iconic in various categories, sometimes leading to skepticism. One such claim involves the city of Scranton, Pennsylvania, which has historically staked its fame on the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the United States. Believers and critics have debated this claim, with evidence suggesting Scranton’s prominence in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations may not be as solid as initially thought.

Scranton’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade Claim

At one time, Scranton could proudly claim to be the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade location in the United States. This was true during a period when Pennsylvania held two of the top ten parades in the country. However, this claim has undergone a rather interesting evolution over the years, leading to significant changes in its accuracy and relevance.

Origins and Modern Observance

The celebration of St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious observance commemorating the death of Saint Patrick, one of the Irish patron saints, around 385-461 CE. Over time, particularly after the 19th century, it transformed into a cultural festival celebrating Irish heritage and contributions to global communities. Prior to the United States’ independence, it was a well-established tradition in North America, with the first parade in Boston in 1737 and New York City in 1756.

Top St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the United States

The largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in the US today is undoubtedly in Chicago, with over two million spectators and participants. Following closely is the parades in New York City, which have been a part of the city’s landscape since 1756. Interestingly, New York’s parade is a contestant for the top spot, just like Chicago. Other notable parades include:
Savannah, Georgia - approximately 400, 000 participantsPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania - an early celebration predating the Declaration of IndependenceKansas City, Missouri - around 20, 000 spectatorsBoston, MassachusettsSan Francisco, California - the oldest and largest west of the MississippiHouston, TexasCleveland, OhioNew London, Wisconsin

Scranton’s Diluting Claim?

Savannah, Georgia, on the other hand, does indeed have an exceptionally large St. Patrick’s Day parade, ranking second in the country. However, Scranton’s past claim as the second-largest has been challenged. Recent statistics and research suggest that the city’s parade might not have consistently held the second place, and its current status is uncertain.

While Scranton’s parade remains a significant event, the city’s claim of being the second-largest in the United States now seems more anecdotal than factual. The shifting landscape of parades and community celebrations means that what once was considered a long-standing tradition might no longer hold true. This highlights the dynamic nature of such claims and the importance of maintaining accurate and verifiable records.

Conclusion

The St. Patrick’s Day parade in Scranton, Pennsylvania, remains an important cultural event, but its historical claim to being the second-largest in the United States appears to be less robust than once believed. As different cities and parades continue to evolve, the importance of reevaluating old claims and acknowledging new, more accurate data becomes more significant. Whether or not Scranton should continue to make this claim is a matter of ongoing debate, reflecting the general spirit of St. Patrick’s Day: embracing tradition and culture while recognizing the changing landscapes of communities across the country.