St. Patrick’s Day is always celebrated in style on the Costa del Sol with many events marking the patron saint’s day. 2019 sees a new approach with a number of celebrations being planned under the umbrella of the Irish Association in Spain.
Traditionally the association plans and runs the events in Torremolinos and Benalmadena. Likewise the Claddagh Bar in Marbella runs its celebrations as do other locations between the two locations. This year the groups have come together to co-ordinate their efforts and share the talent so that revelers along the Costa can share in the wealth of Irish talent that will entertain those who fancy wetting the shamrock. Some of these acts will be Irish people already living and working in Spain and some Irish acts will be brought over from Ireland for the celebrations.
Terry McKinley is President of the Irish Association and he comments “the co-ordinated approach to this year’s celebrations is already bearing fruit with very exciting acts confirmed. While the final details of who will be performing where, have not been finalised there are some details available about what is happening. Mr. McKinley confirmed that Torremolinos will host a two day celebration in Plaza Dr. La Nogalera starting at 1pm each 
day on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th. In total there is an expectation that there will be over 8,000 people in the Plaza over the two days. In Benalmadena there will be another major celebration in Mezquita Square where up to 4,000 people are expected to celebrate over a 7 hour period from 1pm. Parade details and mass times will be announced later.
The Claddagh Bar in Marbella is a very popular spot for music and is sure to produce a very exciting programme that will last for the entire weekend. In Marbella, with the assistance of the local Town Hall the park opposite the Claddagh, Parque de la Constitucion is the gathering point which will feature music, stalls, food, refreshments and many local businesses showcase their wares. It all kicks off at 12pm and the party rocks on until late evening.
In the run-up to St. Patrick’s Day the Irish Association will produce a commemorative publication outlining the various celebrations. This will also feature some businesses and individuals who are supporters of the association and its work on a regular basis. This publication will be available (while stocks last) for distribution free of charge over the weekend.
Mr. McKinley continued “we are very fortunate to attract wonderful support from many sources. One of the most vital supporters is the Town Hall in each location that assist us in navigating the various guidelines and regulations that need to be addressed for these large live celebrations. We are very grateful for this assistance and support
This year Energy Nordic has come on board to assist the running of the events and details of the electricity supplier’s involvement will be announced closer to the day. Heineken, the distributor of Guinness in Spain plays a very important role too and the company is always anxious to help out and facilitate the events.
Another new departure for 2019 is the involvement of Emerald Connection dot net which has been engaged to co-ordinate with all players in the celebrations. In the coming weeks the Emerald Connection will be making regular announcements about developments in the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations and in the meantime if anyone wants further information just email info@emeraldconnection.net