THE ST PATRICK'S DAY parade takes place in Cabo Roig later this month, as the locale celebrates the 10th iteration of the annual Irish event on the Orihuela Costa in Spain.
The luck of the Irish has been in limited supply of late, with the 10th-anniversary parade in Cabo Roig delayed for the past three years.
Originally scheduled to take place in March 2020, the Cabo Roig parade was one of the first events in the Orihuela Costa social calendar to be affected by the global pandemic, and the event was cancelled just days beforehand.
Emergency health measures prevented the St Patrick's Day parade from taking place in 2021, and in 2022 the parade was suspended yet again, this time due to unseasonably wet weather conditions.
An International Parade took place in May last year, but a March St Patrick's Day parade hasn't been seen on the streets of Cabo Roig since 2019. After a four-year absence, the belated 10th-anniversary parade is finally scheduled to take place on Friday 17th March 2023.
St Patrick's Day 2023 parade in Cabo Roig
The Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day parade is one of the largest Irish parades in mainland Europe. People typically travel from Ireland and all corners of the world to attend the Irish festive event, and previous parades have attracted tens of 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 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 annual St Patrick's Day parade in Cabo Roig owes its continued success to a dedicated team of organisers, generous and regular contributions from local businesses, and coordination between the St Patrick's Day Parade committee and Orihuela Town Hall.
Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day Parade route, Orihuela Costa
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.
Anthony Molloy, a member of the Donegal County Council in Ireland and a former captain of the Donegal county football team, will be this year's parade Marshall. He will be joined by members of the parade committee, the mayor, and councillors from the local Orihuela town hall.
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, live music all day (and long into the evening), and bars and restaurants along the strip will be offering a selection of special menus and, of course … Guinness!
The Spanish annual festivities are typically elaborate and vivid, celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in an inimitable fashion that is both 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, there are plenty of options available to entertain.
If you're planning a trip to Cabo Roig this month, be sure to check out the St Patrick's Day festivities and join in the fun. One thing's for sure, it'll be grand!
The 10th anniversary Cabo Roig St Patrick's Day parade takes place on Friday 17th March 2023. 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
