Back in February the Irish of San Antonio, Texas, thought that due to mounting costs their beloved St. Patrick’s Day Parade would be canceled. Thankfully because of the immense community spirit and loyal sponsors such as The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers and Heroes Whiskey they celebrated their first all water parade on 16th March.

As well as the on water parade, the 14 Irish immigrants who found defending the Alamo were honoured at the Alamo Shrine. Festivities began at the Arneson River theatre, with authentic Irish music and dance.

The parade’s organizers The Harp and Shamrock Society of Texas said “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.”

This is a continuation of a long tradition. The first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in San Antonio took place in March 1968 with 250 marchers walking four blocks. This year the parade was attended by thousands of revelers.

Below The Wild Geese Irish Soldiers & Heroes Whiskey explain the companies name and the purpose of the video. In their YouTube blurb they explain “After their defeat at The Battle of The Boyne, Patrick Sarsfield and his followers left Ireland. In the hope and belief that this would be a temporary strategic exile, they took the name The Wild Geese.

“San Antonio is some 4000 miles from Dublin, and yet a strong Irish community still flourishes there. Each St Patrick's Day, the Harp and Shamrock Society organise a parade to celebrate the Irish heritage of San Antonio and share dreams of returning to Ireland.

“In this video we see that the story of The Wild Geese lives on.

“Wherever you are in the world if you are of Irish descent you are part of this story and entitled to call yourself Wild Geese.”

Here’s a video of the San Antonio St. Patrick’s Day Parade along with interview with locals about what it means to be Irish in Texas and the Flight of the Earls: