Whether you’re Irish or not, there are plenty of ways to turn green this Paddy’s Day in Spain, with celebrations across the country, from Benidorm to Barcelona.
St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17th and is a celebration of all things Irish. While of course it’s celebrated in Ireland, it’s also a big deal in other countries with lots of Irish residents such as the United States. Surprisingly, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations have also become increasingly common in certain parts of Spain too.
There are many Irish people living in Spain, along with countless Irish pubs, which will all be ready to party.
So, what can you expect in Spain during St. Paddy’s Day and where to find the best celebrations?
Madrid
Madrid is where the biggest Irish celebration takes place as it hosts Ireland Week (Semana de Irlanda) from March 10th to the 17th.
It will include a programme filled with live music, Irish dance performances, literature, film, gastronomy, traditional sports. The highlight will be the grand parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14th, starting at 5:00 PM. It will run from the Metrópolis Building down Gran Vía to Plaza de España and will have around 1,200 participants. Expect bagpipers and a tribute to U2.
Plaza de Callao also hosts live music throughout the weekend of the 14th–15th.
Puerta de Alcalá, Cibeles Fountain, and the Palacio de Comunicaciones will also be turned green for the occasion.
Some of the best pubs to head to in Madrid include The Irish Rover which has live concerts on March 15th & 17th; the James Joyce Irish Pub with live Irish music and hat giveaways; O’Connell St.; Molly Malone’s; and La Ardosa, a historic tavern with the city’s oldest Guinness tap.
READ ALSO: A quick guide to Irish pubs in Spain
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Cabo Roig, Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca’s biggest Paddy’s Day party will take place in Cabo Roig on Sunday March 15th. A total of 25,000 people are expected to attend the event which will include over 60 acts. The Irish Army Veterans Pipe Band will perform as well as acrobats and classic car displays. Th event will take place from 3pm onwards.
Benidorm, Costa Blanca
Benidorm is aiming to become one of the biggest St Patrick’s Day celebrations outside of Ireland and while it might not be quite there yet, this year will be a good start. The celebrations will take place around Calle Gerona and the Rincon de Loix where many of the resort’s British and Irish pubs are located. Rumours are that there will be four outdoor stages with DJs and live music and a big street party.
READ ALSO: Five reasons why Galicia is Spain’s version of Ireland
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Barcelona
Barcelona doesn’t have an official parade or street party, yet there are many Irish pubs hosting their own events such as pub crawls and live music.
Key venues hosting events include The George Payne, Flaherty’s, and The Old Irish Pub, Michael Collins, The Wild Rover and Dunne’s Irish Bar. For example The George Payne will be celebrating from Friday to Tuesday with traditional music, rock bands, DJs and lots of green decorations and drinks. On Tuesday March 17th from 4pm entrance will cost 20€ and include a special t-shirt, plus a drink.
Salamanca
In the university city of Salamanca, the city’s famed Plaza Mayor will be illuminated in green for the occasion. The best place to celebrate will be Saint Patrick’s Museum, a historic Irish pub with over 200 varieties of beer.
READ ALSO: Why are there so many Irish street names in Spain’s Canary Islands?
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Lorca
Celebrate St. Patrick Murcian style in the city of Lorca. St. Patrick is also the patron saint of Lorca because a 15th-century battle was won on March 17th. The city celebrates with official ceremonies at Lorca Castle and religious processions. There may not be much Guinness or green going on, however.
Costa del Sol
The Sunset Beach Club in Benalmádena will be hosting St Paddy’s Day breakfast and dinner buffets, live entertainment and fancy dress competition.
In Torremolinos St. Patrick’s day will be celebrated at Plaza Nogalera between noon and 6pm on Saturday March 18th there will be live music, dancing, food and Irish beer.
