2026 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal Michael Moriarty.
Photo credit: St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke
HOLYOKE — The Saint Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke announced that Michael Moriarty has been named the 73rd grand marshal for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
The announcement, which came on Aug. 12, is the community’s highest honor bestowed upon a person of Irish ancestry who has shown extraordinary dedication to their career, family and heritage.
This annual tradition is a cherished moment in the build-up to the 73rd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, which takes place Sunday, March 22, 2026, and the 49th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race, which takes place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The grand marshal announcement sets the tone for a season of Irish pride, community spirit and celebration.
Moriarty is a lifelong Holyoke resident, proud Irish American and respected community leader who has been a dedicated member of the parade committee for 38 years, serving in many leadership roles, including parade president in 2017.
He said, “I will enjoy all of the events throughout parade season, and look forward to enjoying the Road Race and Parade on March 21 and 22 from the unique perspective of grand marshal.”
Moriarty said he has been involved in the planning of the parade for decades, but for the first time, gets to enjoy it from a different point of view by leading the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.
“I’ve been involved in some aspect of planning almost every parade since 1988,” Moriarty stated. “We have a remarkable committee of volunteers who devote tons of talent and time to our events. I am the grandson of a founding member of the parade committee, the son of a member and one-time Citizenship Award recipient and have enjoyed being a member for decades. This is a wonderful honor from an organization that’s been important to my family for generations, I couldn’t be more honored or grateful.”
As the committee liaison to the consulate general of Ireland, Moriarty has strengthened Holyoke’s ties to the Republic of Ireland by welcoming dignitaries, fostering cultural exchange and ensuring the parade reflects the richness of both traditional and contemporary Irish life.
Moriarty talked about the addition of people from Ireland marching in the Holyoke parade.
He said, “The Holyoke Parade Committee has an especially strong bond with the people of Ireland. Many of top leaders from Ireland have come to Holyoke and marched in our parade in recent years. That’s always a great honor for the entire community.”
Moriarty said he was “honored, profoundly” to be named the grand marshal for the 2026 Holyoke parade.
“Looking at the roster of past grand marshals, it’s amazing to be added to a list of Holyoke people who have contributed so much to our community,” Moriarty stated.
The past grand marshals can be found at holyokestpatricksparade.com.
Parade President James Wildman talked about Moriarty and the decision to name him grand marshal for the 73rd Holyoke parade.
“Michael Moriarty embodies the spirit of service, education and community pride that the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade honors each year. His leadership at OneHolyoke CDC, his tireless advocacy for families and children, and his unwavering dedication to preserving and celebrating Irish culture make him the perfect choice to lead us in 2026.”
Beyond the parade, Moriarty has led OneHolyoke CDC since 2013, driving initiatives to revitalize distressed neighborhoods and expand access to dignified, affordable housing in the city’s most underserved areas.
Moriarty will be honored at the Grand Marshal’s Reception on Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, at the Log Cabin in Holyoke.
