THE ST PATRICK'S DAY Parade takes place in Cabo Roig next weekend, as the locale celebrates the 11th iteration of the annual Irish event on the Orihuela Costa.
Residents and visitors are preparing for a weekend of celebration and fun, great food and drink, spectacular music and entertainment, and a St Patrick's Day show that promises to be the biggest and best.
The committee members have been working tirelessly over the last few months to organise this year's parade, and on 22nd February earlier this year, Radio Orihuela awarded the parade the best-organised festival in the Vega Baja.
The parade is a testament to the hard work, fundraising, and generous contributions from local businesses and associations. This year's hotly anticipated St Patrick's Day Parade will take place in Cabo Roig on Sunday 17th March 2024, with all the fun starting at 15:00.
The biggest St Patrick's Day Parade in mainland Europe
The Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day parade is mainland Europe's largest St Patrick's Day celebration. People typically travel from Ireland and all corners of the world to attend the Irish event, and previous parades have attracted thousands of partygoers.
Cabo Roig has a rich history and deep connection with many expatriate Irish folks who came to settle on the Orihuela Costa's sunnier shores over recent years, and this year's event will bring out the best of the Irish in everyone.
The famous Cabo Roig Strip, a line of bars, clubs, cafes, shops and restaurants that form a roadside promenade adjacent to the main N-332 coast road, will be turned into a Mediterranean Sea of green Irish pride for the day.
Traditionally a Christian feast day, St Patrick's Day has become an iconic institution. It represents a special time for Irish people the world over to celebrate their nationality and the heritage of the Emerald Isle in a somewhat unrestrained manner.
The annual St Patrick's Day parade in Cabo Roig owes its continued success to a dedicated team of organisers, and coordination between the St Patrick's Day Parade committee and Orihuela Town Hall.
The award-winning Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day Parade
The parade will start at 15:00 from Calle Agua. The route will head southward along Calle del Mar and turn right at the end of the road to proceed northward along the front of the strip beside the N-332.
Pat “The Cope” Gallagher will be this year's parade Grand Marshall. A former MEP and Irish Government Minister, Mr Gallagher served as various junior ministers and spent 12 years as a member of the European Parliament.
The parade is expected to be the most colourful yet, with 43 troupes including traditional bands, dancers dressed in glamorous and elaborate costumes, and floats constructed by many of the local businesses.
To get the party started, there will be an automotive exhibition, where an array of classic cars and motorcycles will cruise along the parade route before the main parade, led by Torrevieja Pipes and Drums and St Patrick himself.
The family-friendly event will offer entertainment for children, live music all day (and long into the evening), and bars and restaurants along the strip will feature a selection of special menus and, of course … Guinness!
The Spanish annual festivities are typically elaborate, celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in an inimitable fashion that is wildly patriotic and imaginatively eccentric.
Guinness, live music, and entertainment all day long
St Patrick's Day in Cabo Roig is a lively and colourful celebration that offers something for everyone. Whether you're looking to watch the parade, enjoy some traditional Irish food and drink, or learn more about Irish culture, plenty of options will be available.
If you're planning a trip to Cabo Roig this month, check out the St Patrick's Day festivities and join the fun. One thing's for sure, with more than 15,000 participants expected to attend this year, it'll be grand!
The Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day Parade takes place from 15:00 on Sunday 17th March 2024. For the latest news and information about the parade, visit the official Facebook page or scroll down for a Google map showing the parade area.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what´s going on in the local area.
Photo credit: The Trinity Bar Cabo Roig
