March 17th is approaching and the Irish Association in Spain has teamed up with Emerald Connection to offer as much information as possible in relation to events. We will have information from across Spain as plans are being finalised and unveiled. With just under a month to go we have some information gathered that might be of interest. Here’s what we know so far.
Costa del Sol
Benalmadena and Torremolinos will both be hosting their annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration of all that is Irish on Saturday 14th March when over 10 acts will be appearing on stage in each location. The Benalmadena event is being held in Plaza de la Mezquita and will incorporate a parade from the Renfe Train Station (opposite the church in Arroyo de la Miel). The Torremolinos event is moving to a new home this year in Plaza Pablo Picasso. Both events will be commencing at 1pm.
There is a weekend of music, song and dance planned in Marbella where the Claddagh Bar will be spearheading the festival at Parque de la Constitución. This is always a great family event with refreshment and food aplenty with lots of things happening.
La Cala de Mijas promises to be hopping on Sunday 15th March when a 6 hour celebration of all things Irish will be held outside the Town Hall on the main street. David O’ Reilly from Biddy Mulligans is co-ordinating the event and is very much looking forward to having a busy few hours.
Arroyo de la Miel is the setting for a weekend of cultural and religious events. Starting with a concert on the evening of Saturday 14th, special mass on Sunday 15th with a celebration of Celtic music and dance in the church grounds later and other events to be confirmed up to and including Tuesday 17th March. Further information from Fr. Gerard Daly at the Immaculate Conception Church in Arroyo de la Miel.
Costa Blanca
In 2020 the community of Cabo Roig hosts its 10th St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Marching bands, floats, walking groups and musicians will parade along the strip that is almost a mile long. Last year over 20,000 people turned out to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and this year one if its organisers, Sligo-man Jimmy Kiernan, is hoping for a similar crowd. This year’s Grand Marshall is Séamus Darby. Séamus is a former Gaelic football player best remembered for scoring an unexpected late goal that deprived Kerry of a 5-in-a-row in the 1982 All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Final. In 2005, it was voted the third greatest moment in GAA history.
Valencia
The Valencia Irish Cultural Association is hoping for a bigger and better St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Parade in 2020. The event will once again take place in Tinglado 2 in the Port area of the city on Tuesday, March 17th from 1130 to 1430. Over 500 people attended the event last year, and they are hoping for an even bigger crowd this year. This is a family friendly event with plenty of activities for both children and adults.
Madrid
The Spanish Irish Business Network has arranged a St. Patrick’s Gala Ball. This year’s event will take place on March 13th and will be supporting two charities – Menudos Corazones and Heart Children Ireland.
There will be regular updates here and the Irish Association of Spain will be updating its website andfacebook pages as the big day draws nearer. If you are aware of a celebration in Spain please do pass on the information to either info@emeraldconnection.net or info@irishassociationspain.com