Visit our St. Patrick's Day section for more news, recipes, history and "craic"

Preparations are underway for the historic St. Patrick’s Day river parade in San Antonio, Texas.

Last month, the Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas warned that they would have to cancel the street parade due to mounting costs. But organizers have since announced the river parade is to go ahead.

The festivities will begin on Friday March 16 at 6pm at the Arneson River theatre, with authentic Irish music, dance, and song. This event is free and open to the public.

At noon on St. Patrick’s Day, the 14 Irish Immigrants who were among the heroes who died defending the Alamo will be honored at the Alamo Shrine.

The one of its kind, St. Patrick’s Day River Parade will be held at 3 pm and will wind its way along the scenic paseo del rio in downtown San Antonio.

There will be an Irish Hooley at 5pm at the Beethoven Garden located in the historic King William district. This celebration is an authentic traditional family friendly celebration of the Irish culture with music, song, dance,  only imported Irish food and Irish Beer, including the world famous Guinness pint

On Sunday there will be a tour of the Irish Flats, in Downtown San Antonio at 3pm, where early Irish settlers (between 1830-1860) made their home.

“During our celebrations we want to highlight the impact Irish immigrants have had on education, health care, early Texas settlements and most important, honor those Irish Immigrants who made the ultimate sacrifice defending the Alamo,” the organizers stated.

According to the society’s site, “In March of 1968, the first St. Patrick's Day Parade started in downtown San Antonio with 250 marchers walking about four blocks to the Alamo.”

St Patrick's Day Parade in San Antonio 2010