Boston's St. Patrick's Day parade marched through Southie Sunday with no major issues or incidents, compared to a year ago.Thousands of people lined the parade route as the annual procession started earlier than usual this year,

Some attendees of the South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade are facing criminal charges including assault and battery on a police officer.

Paul Healey, of Holbrook, walks with friends toward the action of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, in South Boston. – Pat Greenhouse/ The Boston Globe Participants dressed as Min