St. Patrick’s Day Beyond Ireland
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17th, is one of the most widely recognized cultural and religious holidays in the world. Originally a day to honor St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, it has grown into a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage. While Dublin, New York, and Chicago are famous for their large-scale parades and green-themed festivities, the Costa Blanca has also embraced this Irish holiday with enthusiasm. Thanks to a significant Irish expat community and a thriving tourism industry, St. Patrick’s Day on Spain’s sunny coast is a lively and unforgettable experience.
Why Is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated?
St. Patrick’s Day marks the death of St. Patrick, the man credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. Over the centuries, the holiday evolved from a solemn religious feast into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture. Today, it is known for its green attire, shamrocks, lively parades, and, of course, plenty of Guinness and whiskey.
St. Patrick’s Day in Costa Blanca: A Unique Experience
The Costa Blanca has a well-established Irish expat population, particularly in towns like Benidorm, Torrevieja, and Orihuela Costa. These areas, already famous for their vibrant nightlife, turn into hubs of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, attracting not only Irish residents but also tourists looking for a fun-filled day.
1. Benidorm: The Heart of the Celebration
Benidorm is undoubtedly the most famous place on the Costa Blanca to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The city’s “English Square” and surrounding streets transform into a green wonderland, filled with Irish flags, balloons, and shamrocks. Bars and pubs in Benidorm prepare weeks in advance, stocking up on Irish beer, whiskey, and festive decorations.
What to Expect in Benidorm:
- A massive street party in and around the British and Irish pub districts.
- Live music, with local and international bands playing Irish folk and rock classics.
- Fancy dress competitions where people dress as leprechauns, Celtic warriors, or even St. Patrick himself.
- Special discounts and drink promotions in Irish pubs like The Bodhran, The Shamrock, and The Harp Bar.
- Green beer, Guinness, and Irish whiskey flowing all day and night.
2. Torrevieja: A More Relaxed Celebration
Torrevieja, home to a sizable expat community, also gets into the festive spirit on St. Patrick’s Day, albeit in a slightly more relaxed way. While it doesn’t host large-scale street parties like Benidorm, many of its bars and restaurants put on special events, live music, and Irish-themed menus.
Popular venues in Torrevieja for St. Patrick’s Day include:
- Murphy’s Irish Pub, a favorite among locals and tourists for its live music and Guinness.
- Paddy’s Point, one of the best-known Irish pubs on the Costa Blanca, located in La Zenia, Orihuela Costa.
3. Orihuela Costa: The Famous Parade
One of the most iconic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Spain takes place in Cabo Roig, a coastal town within Orihuela Costa. This area hosts the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in Spain, with thousands of spectators gathering to enjoy the show.
What to Expect at the Cabo Roig Parade:
- A lively procession featuring Irish dancers, musicians, and decorated floats.
- Marching bands and performers dressed in green.
- Local businesses joining in the celebration with Irish-themed promotions and special deals.
- A family-friendly atmosphere with activities for all ages.
4. Other Towns Embracing the Irish Spirit
Smaller towns along the Costa Blanca, such as Javea, Altea, and Alicante, also host St. Patrick’s Day events, though on a smaller scale. Many local bars and restaurants offer themed nights with Irish music, food, and drink specials.
Traditional Irish Food and Drinks on St. Patrick’s Day
Food and drink play a central role in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, and the Costa Blanca is no exception. Many Irish pubs and restaurants serve classic dishes such as:
- Irish stew – A hearty dish made with lamb, potatoes, and carrots.
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- Colcannon – Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage and butter.
- Boxty – A traditional Irish potato pancake.
- Full Irish breakfast – Featuring sausages, bacon, eggs, black pudding, and baked beans.
To wash it all down, popular drinks include:
- Guinness – The iconic Irish stout.
- Jameson whiskey – Often served neat, on the rocks, or in Irish coffee.
- Green beer – A fun novelty drink popular on St. Patrick’s Day.
Interesting Facts About St. Patrick’s Day in Spain
- Spain has its own version of St. Patrick: San Patricio is the patron saint of the city of Murcia, located just south of the Costa Blanca.
- Cabo Roig hosts the biggest parade in Spain: This small coastal town’s parade is considered the most important St. Patrick’s Day event in the country.
- Green beer isn’t actually Irish: While many people associate green beer with St. Patrick’s Day, it was actually an American invention.
Conclusion: A Celebration Not to Be Missed
Whether you’re an Irish expat, a local, or a visitor looking for a great party, St. Patrick’s Day on the Costa Blanca offers something for everyone. From the massive street parties in Benidorm to the festive parade in Cabo Roig, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate this Irish holiday in Spain.
So put on your best green outfit, grab a pint of Guinness, and join the fun—Sláinte!
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