The Celtic Cross Ceremony began in 1986, three years after the monument’s dedication. The event is a formal ceremony honoring the Irish in Savannah from the past, present, and future; and typically takes place on the Sunday preceding St. Patrick’s Day. On that day, the several Irish societies of the city join the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for Mass at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist and then parade to Emmet Park for the ceremony at the Celtic Cross Monument.
The ceremony and surrounding events are a tribute to the first St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Savannah, nearly 200 years ago.
About the Celtic Cross Monument
Symbolizing the heritage and faith of the Irish community in Savannah, Savannah’s Celtic Cross is carved of Irish limestone from County Roscommon in western Ireland and paid for entirely through private donations from the local Irish community. You can find the monument in nearby Emmet Park. The park was formerly known as the “Irish Green,” for it was a place of recreation and gathering for the early Irish of the city. The inscription at the base of the monument reads:
PAST – PRESENT – FUTURE
ERIN GO BRAGH
For more information about the Celtic Cross Ceremony & Reception, contact the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee at officemanager@savannahsaintpatricksday.com
Learn more about St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah. Don’t forget to book your stay!
