Everything you need to know about the Southie St. Patrick's parade

Break out all your green clothing, it's almost time for the annual South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade.

The parade always falls on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick's Day, and this year it falls on March 17 itself. It's the 119th iteration of the procession.

Whether you're heading out to the route or opting to stay in and stream, here's what to know about the parade:

South Boston began hosting the Saint Patrick's Day parade in 1901, moving from downtown where earlier festivities took place. The parade also celebrates Evacuation Day, commemorating the day British forces left Boston once and for all on March 17, 1776.

The parade is organized by the South Boston Allied War Veteran Council has has marched generations of Massachusetts politicians and party floats around the historically Irish neighborhood since 1901.

The mayor of Boston, state governor and other elected officials make a point to wave to watchers along the barricades as they walk. Other parade participants often include local pageant queens, dance troupes, current and former members of the military, Revolutionary War re-enactors and many pipe and drum bands.

The parade starts at 1 p.m. at Broadway station, heads up West Broadway Street and continues on East Broadway. The route then heads west, turning right on P Street and right again on East 4th Street. After a left on K Street and a right on East 5th Street, the parade hooks down past Thomas Park and onto Telegraph Street before wrapping up in Andrew Square on Dorchester Street.

Where to watch along the 3.5-mile route depends on the vibe you're going for, according to the organizer's website. For those hoping to celebrate with big crowds and packed bars, a spot between Broadway Station and L Street is a good bet. For those looking to avoid the masses, Thomas park or really any street other than Broadway is best for you.

If your vibe is at home on the couch, you can watch the parade NBC10 Boston’s streaming platforms and on NECN beginning at 1 p.m.

Driving to the parade is not recommended, as street closures and heavy foot traffic will make finding parking harder than catching a leprechaun. Parking is banned on numerous streets in Southie, and the city will begin towing cars parked on banned streets starting at 5 a.m. on Sunday.

The MBTA will run rush hour Red Line service from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The parade starts at Broadway station and the Red Line will be busy, so the T recommends factoring in extra time for your trip. The agency notes that trains will may bypass Broadway if traffic is too heavy.

The commuter rail will run extra trains on Sunday to accommodate an expected increase in passengers. They have a handy list of how crowded they expect trains heading out of the city will following the parade, which you can find here. Commuter rail weekend passes cost $10 and allow for unlimited train travel all weekend long.

Free shuttle buses to and from South Station to Southie run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The bus drops off and picks up near the parade route at the City Point Bus Terminal on E 1st Street.

Regular MBTA bus routes will not stop at Broadway or Andrews station on parade day. Routes 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, and 47 will also be detoured around the parade area.

As a reminder, alcohol consumption is never allowed on MBTA vehicles or in stations.