Get ready, Eastie! The East Boston Italian Heritage Parade returns this weekend, bringing music, marching bands, antique cars, and plenty of neighborhood pride to the streets.

The parade takes place Sunday, October 11th, stepping off from Suffolk Downs at 1pm. Before the main event, a parade of 30 antique cars will get things rolling at approximately 12:45pm. Organizers say this year’s parade will feature 18 marching bands, several divisions, and a large Shriners contingent with plenty for kids to see.

The Route

The parade will leave Suffolk Downs via Walley Street before making its way onto Bennington Street, through Day Square, along Chelsea Street toward Maverick Square, and up Meridian Street, finishing near the Post Office at 50 Meridian Street.

Who’s Being Honored

This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of longtime East Bostonians Buddy Mangini and Jim Kearney. U.S. Army veteran George Gambale will serve as Chief Grand Marshal, while East Boston High School Principal Phil Brangiforte will serve as Grand Marshal. You can read more about this here.

Parking + Getting Around

If you live along the route, pay attention to those parking signs! Temporary parking restrictions will be in place Sunday on portions of Bennington, Bayswater, Chelsea, Maverick, Meridian, Border, and Walley streets, as well as Central Square. Expect some traffic delays and street closures while the parade is underway. See full traffic and parking advisory below.

The parade celebrates East Boston’s Italian-American roots while also honoring the neighborhood’s long history as a home for generations of immigrants.

When: Sunday, October 11th at 1pm
Where: Suffolk Downs through East Boston
Cost: Free

Learn more about the East Boston Italian Heritage Parade

On Sunday, October 11, at 1:00 PM, the Italian Heritage Parade will be taking place, bringing an October parade back to East Boston. The parade will proceed from Waldemar Avenue, to Bennington Street, to Day Square, then to Maverick Square and finally to Central Square.

Parking will be restricted on Sunday, October 11 on the following streets: 

• Bennington Street – Both sides, from the Walley Street to Saratoga Street (Orient Heights); North side (inbound side) from Saratoga Street (Orient Heights) to Neptune Road; Both sides, both roadways, from Neptune Road to Chelsea Street (Day Square)
• Bayswater Street – Both sides, from Saratoga Street to Barnes Avenue
• Chelsea Street – Both sides Day Square (Rose Restaurant) to Maverick Street
• Maverick Street – Both sides, from Chelsea Street to Meridian Street
• Meridian Street – Both sides, from Maverick Street to Porter Street
• Central Square – Both sides, southerly roadway from Meridian Street to Border Street
• Border Street – Both sides, from Maverick Street through Central Square to Condor Street
• Walley Street – Both sides, from Waldemar Avenue to Bennington Street