ST PATRICKS DAY PARADE The Orihuela Costa might not be the first location that springs to mind when thinking about Ireland's most revered cultural and historic celebration, but on Thursday 17th March 2022 Cabo Roig will be hosting one of the largest St Patrick's Day parades in mainland Europe.
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 Thursday's event will bring out the best of the Irish in everyone.
The Spanish annual festivities are typically elaborate, celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in an inimitable fashion that is both wildly patriotic and imaginatively eccentric.
The famous Cabo Roig Strip, a line of bars, clubs, cafes 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 Patricks Day has become an iconic institution, representing 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 Cabo Roig St Patricks Day Parade 2022, Orihuela Costa
Originally planned for March 2020, the 10th-anniversary celebration was one of the first major events cancelled following the declaration of the State of Emergency in Spain, just days before taking place.
The last St Patrick's Day celebration took place on the coast in 2019 and after a three-year hiatus, the Irish parade returns to the streets of Orihuela Costa, with thousands of residents and international visitors expected to attend.
This year's event is hosted by Grand Marshall, Steve Collins. Known as the “Celtic Warrior”, Dublin-born Steve Collins is the most successful male Irish boxer in recent professional boxing history, with a career spanning almost a decade from 1986 to 1997.
The parade is expected to be the most colourful yet, with traditional bands, floats constructed by many of the local businesses, and dancers dressed in glamorous and elaborate costumes.
The family-friendly event will offer entertainment for children, music from local musicians all day, and bars and restaurants along the strip will be offering a selection of special menus and, of course … Guinness!
Guinness, live music, and entertainment all day long
McCafferty's Irish Bar in Cabo Roig starts the party at 14:00 with live music from Anton Glackin and Paul Cullen. Their weekend spectacular continues with music every evening and a special guest appearance by Pat Coyne.
The Trinity Bar is going all-out with a veritable buffet of Irish musical talent, kicking off with Jimmy Mac from County Antrim at midday. The live music continues throughout the day with appearances from Leanne Rowlette, Graham Monaghan, and Johnny Grennan.
Off the strip, the Ivy Bar at the Citrus Centre in Playa Flamenca opens at 13:00 for an Irish brunch followed by a day of musical entertainment from Sinead Hansard and DJ Mick Nottingham. The day ends with a Karaoke party.
And one of the most famous Irish venues in Orihuela Costa, Paddy's Point in La Zenia, is offering bacon and cabbage and beef and Guinness stew alongside live entertainment from Baz Norton, Austin Carter, and Paul Cullen.
St Patrick's Day 2022 all around the South Costa Blanca
The annual parade owes its success to a committed team of organisers that dedicate their time and efforts, generous and regular contributions from local businesses, and coordination between the St Patricks Day Parade team and Orihuela Town Hall.
The fun starts (officially) at 13:30 with the main parade due to begin at 15:00. Visit the official Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day Parade Facebook page, or follow this link for a Google Map of the parade area on the Cabo Roig strip.
Local Costa Blanca news outlet “The Leader”, has published a special St Patrick's Day issue of their newspaper with complete information about this year's event. Check it out now on Issuu.
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: LaZenia.com
