South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade Canceled — Again

BOSTON — The South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade's cancelation last year was one of the first signs that the coronavirus pandemic was going to make no exceptions in upending day-to-day life.

This year, the cancelation came much earlier — and without any surprise at all.

The historic parade was officially called off Tuesday by organizers, citing Gov. Charlie Baker's order limiting outdoor gatherings to 25 people.

"We look forward to finally seeing you all again in 2022," organizers tweeted.

Last year's cancelation was announced March 9, before even the Boston Marathon was postponed (and later canceled.) At the time, Mayor Marty Walsh said the decision to cancel the parade was made "out of an abundance of caution."

There were only 41 positive coronavirus tests in the state at the time. As of Monday afternoon, more than 450,000 people have tested positive for the virus.