St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and you know what that means — everyone travels near and far by way of the red line to celebrate one thing, being Irish! And being located right on West Broadway in the heart of South Boston, we are no stranger to this day. That’s why we’re offering the inside scoop to celebrating St. Patty’s in Southie, safely, of course.

Attending the Parade

St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday this year, but the annual and historic parade will hit the streets in Southie on Sunday, March 18th at 1:00pm. If you plan on attending the parade, the best way to get a front and center view is to arrive early to stake out your viewing spot. St. Patrick’s Day is a busy time in town, so your best bet is to take the T to Broadway or Andrew and find a viewing location along the parade route.

Out on the Town

The parade isn’t the only tradition that happens in Boston on St. Patrick’s Day. There are 5k runs, concerts, and of course, pub crawls. But no matter how you spend the day, remember you are in a crowded city and safety should always be a priority.

1. Stay Together — It’s important that you keep track of your friends and stay with a group. The city is a busy place every day of the year, but it becomes even more hectic on St. Patty’s Day. Make sure the people you arrive with are the same people you leave with. And don’t forget to fully charge cell phones in case someone gets separated from the group.

2. Set Limits — Remember it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you find yourself going from one pub to the next, Guinness after Guinness, don’t forget to mix in some waters every now and again. While you’re at it, you should enjoy some corned beef and hash too.

3. Get Home Safely — When the night is over, get home safely. Make sure you have a sober ride home. An Uber is just a few clicks away and cabs are around every corner.

Hosting Friends

Whether you’ve decided to skip the parade altogether or host the after party, there are things you need to know before opening your doors to everyone wearing green.

1. You’re Responsible — This means that if an intoxicated guest leaves your home and gets into an accident, you can be held liable for any harm to third parties or property. It also means if Boston police are called, you’re the one they look to if any legal issues arise.

2. Read Your Lease — As a renter in Boston, you should fully understand your lease before opening your home. Sometimes your lease agreement limits parties based off of size or doesn’t allow them at all. You don’t want to end a fun day with an eviction notice, so when in doubt, read your lease and ask your property manager.

3. Create a Guest List — The more the merrier? That’s not always true. Plan ahead with a guest list to ensure you know everyone coming into your home. This also helps ensure that the party doesn’t get out of hand.

4. Provide Snacks and Water — Be sure to serve food and non-alcoholic beverages to help guests stay hydrated and make sure they are not consuming alcohol on empty stomachs. It’s also important for guests that are not consuming alcohol, like sober drivers!

5. Help Friends Get Home Safely — After a long day or night of celebrating, make sure all your friends get home safely. Offer to call cabs for those that need a sober ride or allow them to spend the night. Do not let anyone get behind the wheel after drinking.

We know St. Patrick’s Day in Southie is something you want to check off your bucket list — but make sure it’s one to remember by making safety a priority! Happy St. Patty’s from all of us at Lighthouse Insurance — we hope the luck of the Irish is on your side.