11/03/2020
The tradition of St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boquerón began in 1986 when Margie Nelson - owner of McGuire's Bar, later Tony's Place and where The Copy is now - returned from a trip to New York with some typical St. Patrick's Day decorations. So Margie and another American couple - the True's - painted a green stripe down the middle of Jose de Diego Street, from the old Shamar's Bar to McGuire's. A few Irish-American residents joined the fun by parading through the village, dressed in green and drinking Irish beer. When Galloway's Bar & Restaurant opened in 1990, Gladys Carlo Galloway and her Irish-American husband Donald Galloway continued the celebration and parade. Today it is an event that attracts many participants dressed in green, accompanied by a bagpiper (Puerto Rican, from San Sebastian) in full attire, a Grand Marshall and a Queen, a convertible car that serves as the parade "float", and the famous "Potato Gun" Shooting-Team, which shoots potatoes out over Boquerón Bay, to the thrill of the crowd. The short two-block parade ends at Galloway's Landing, where attendees drink Jameson whiskey and eat Irish-style dinner of "corned beef" brisket, boiled potatoes, carrots and cabbage.
This year the 30th Annual Parade will be held on Sunday March 15 starting at 5:00pm. Traditional Irish food will be served at Galloway's Landing Bar & Restaurant at special seatings starting at 5:30pm. Then on St. Patrick's Day Tuesday March 17, Galloway's will be continuing the celebrations. Irish d and live music both days. Reservations for both Sunday and Tuesday are encouraged 787-254-3302 or email [email protected].