Delray Beach has canceled its St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Pride events for 2027, citing a new state law that takes effect Jan. 1. The city announced the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday.
Gov. Ron DeSantis signed the law in April. It restricts funding for community events tied to diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI. After a review, the city concluded it was legally barred from organizing or promoting events like Pride and St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
The decision drew a strong reaction from residents. Some questioned whether other community events, such as the Christmas parade, could also be affected. A Delray Beach Police volunteer called the cancellation ridiculous.
Hours after the post, Mayor Tom Carney issued a statement saying the city is working “feverishly” with multiple entities to keep the 2027 St. Patrick’s Day Parade on schedule. He did not say how that would happen.
The law includes exceptions for state and federal holidays. St. Patrick’s Day is not one of them, which is why the city said its parade falls outside the exemptions.
