Irish season in Montreal is well underway, with several events set to take place in advance of the 190th edition of Montreal's annual St. Patrick's parade.

A flag-raising event usually at Place Ville Marie usually marks the unofficial kickoff of Montreal's Irish festivities, but because of maintenance work on the flagpoles this year, members of the United Irish Societies paraded instead through the Place Ville Marie gallery, led by the Black Watch Pipe and drum band.

"We'll see each other a lot over the next few weeks," said parade organizer Patty McCann.

Irish season events will include the St. Patrick's Ball, the naming of the Irishman of the Year, and, of course, the parade, which this year, will fall on St. Patrick's day itself, on Sunday, March 17.

On Feb. 2, Alyssa Caughy was named this year's parade queen.

Photos and video: Laura Casella