The 54th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade will march through downtown Charleston Monday morning, prompting street closures and detours across the peninsula.

The parade begins at 11 a.m. at Marion Square and follows King Street south to Broad Street, then turns east toward the Battery. Road closures start at 9 a.m. and will remain in effect until approximately 1 p.m.

King Street will close from Calhoun Street to Broad Street. Broad Street will shut down from King Street to East Bay Street. Side streets including Market, Queen, and Tradd will face rolling closures as the parade passes.

The YWCA Greater Charleston organizes the annual event under this year’s theme “Honoring the legacy. Marching with purpose.” The parade draws thousands of spectators and participants from across the Lowcountry.

“This parade represents our community’s ongoing commitment to Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality,” said YWCA Greater Charleston spokesperson Jennifer Martinez. “We encourage everyone to join us in celebrating his legacy.”

Charleston Police will redirect traffic around the parade route. Drivers should expect delays and consider alternate routes. CARTA bus service will face schedule disruptions along affected streets.

The parade features local elected officials, community organizations, church groups, school bands, and civic associations. Mayor William Cogswell and members of Charleston City Council traditionally participate in the march.

Parking restrictions begin Sunday night along the parade route. No parking signs will be posted on King Street from Calhoun to Broad and on Broad Street from King to East Bay. Vehicles remaining in restricted areas face towing.

Spectators can watch from sidewalks along the route. Marion Square, White Point Garden, and the intersection of King and Broad streets offer prime viewing locations. The city recommends arriving early to secure parking and viewing spots.

Live coverage will air on local television stations beginning at 10:30 a.m. The YWCA Greater Charleston will stream the event on social media platforms.

This marks the first parade since the city completed streetscape improvements along lower King Street. The $8.2 million project, funded through municipal bonds and federal grants, added wider sidewalks and improved accessibility features.

Local businesses along the parade route report mixed impacts from the annual event. While foot traffic increases significantly, the road closures limit customer access and delivery schedules.

“We plan ahead every year,” said Rebecca Thompson, manager of a King Street retail store. “The energy is wonderful, but we definitely see operational challenges with deliveries and parking.”

The parade continues a tradition dating to 1971, when community leaders organized the first Charleston MLK Day march. The event grew from a small demonstration to one of the region’s largest annual celebrations.

Charleston’s parade ranks among South Carolina’s most attended MLK Day events. Participation has increased steadily over the past decade, with organizers estimating 15,000 to 20,000 attendees in recent years.

Weather forecasts call for partly cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid-50s Monday morning. Rain chances remain low, but organizers advise participants and spectators to dress warmly.

Emergency services will maintain full coverage during the event. Medical stations will be positioned at Marion Square and White Point Garden. Charleston Fire Department ambulances will follow the parade route.

The city coordinates with multiple agencies to ensure public safety. Charleston Police, Charleston County Sheriff’s deputies, and South Carolina Highway Patrol officers will provide security and traffic management.

Parade participants must register in advance through the YWCA Greater Charleston. Registration closed Friday, but walk-up participants may join at Marion Square beginning at 10 a.m. Monday.

Local schools use the parade as an educational opportunity. Several Charleston County elementary and middle schools plan field trips to attend the event. Students from Burke High School’s marching band will perform during the parade.

The celebration continues after the parade with programs at various venues downtown. Emanuel AME Church will host a community service at 2 p.m. featuring guest speakers and musical performances.

City officials emphasize the parade’s role in promoting unity and civil rights awareness. The event occurs amid ongoing discussions about government transparency and community engagement in Charleston’s rapidly changing neighborhoods.

Downtown residents should expect noise and crowds throughout the morning hours. The city advises using ride-sharing services or public transportation when possible to avoid parking complications.

Next year’s parade will mark the 55th anniversary of Charleston’s MLK Day celebration. Planning for the 2026 event begins in March with community meetings and volunteer recruitment sessions.