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Every year on March 17, the whole world over turns green. Rivers are dyed emerald, famous landmarks light up in Irish colours and cities everywhere fill with music, dancing and plenty of pints of the black stuff. St Patrick’s Day started in Ireland of course, but these days it has become a real global celebration.

 

Legend says that Saint Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Another story says that Patrick used the humble three-leaf clover to explain the Holy Trinity when converting the Irish to Christianity. That little shamrock has since become one of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols, right up there with the colour green and a pint of Guinness.

 

Around the world, St Patrick’s Day celebrations have grown into enormous spectacles. Chicago famously dyes its river bright green each year. In New York, the annual parade on Fifth Avenue has been running since 1762 and attracts more than two million people, with pipe bands, dancers and marching groups turning the streets into a sea of green. Even Tokyo now hosts a huge parade along Omotesando Avenue as the Irish spirit spreads further every year.

 

So where does Spain fit into all this? You might be surprised at just how enthusiastically the country embraces Ireland’s national day. From big city parades to small local traditions, Spain has plenty of places where St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in style.

 

 

Spain’s capital has definitely become one of the country’s biggest St Patrick’s Day hubs thanks to Ireland Week, a growing festival celebrating Irish culture.

 

The event transforms parts of the city into a little slice of Dublin. At the start of the week the Gran Vía Metro station even temporarily becomes the “Green Vía”, complete with Celtic music and traditional Irish dancing performed by students from University College Dublin.

 

Music plays a big role throughout the celebrations. One of the highlights this year will be a tribute concert to U2 by the band Arcana U2 Massive Heads, marking the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s most famous rock group.

 

The big moment arrives with the St Patrick’s Day parade along Gran Vía. Hundreds of performers, musicians and dancers take part as the procession winds its way from the Metrópolis building to Plaza de España. The crowds are huge and the atmosphere is lively, with Irish flags, face paint and plenty of green clothing everywhere you look.

 

Even the famous San Ginés churros get in on the act, turning green for the occasion.

 

 

While Madrid may host Spain’s most high profile celebration, the biggest party on the Costa Blanca happens on the coast.

 

The Cabo Roig St Patrick’s Day Parade in Orihuela Costa has become something of a legend among expats and visitors. Now in its 13th year, the event is expected to attract around 25,000 people.

If you’ve never seen it before, imagine the entire Cabo Roig Strip transformed into a moving festival. More than 60 acts take part in the parade, ranging from pipe bands and drummers to dancers, circus performers, stilt walkers and colourful floats organised by local businesses.

 

Classic cars and motorbikes rumble along the route while crowds line the streets waving flags and enjoying the music. Bars and restaurants spill out onto the pavements and the whole area turns into a giant street party that lasts well into the night.

 

For many expats living along the Costa Blanca, this is the closest thing you will get to a full Irish style St Patrick’s Day without actually flying home to Dublin.

 

 

Not all of Spain’s St Patrick’s connections involve parades and pints. In the historic city of Lorca, there’s a far deeper connection with the Irish saint.

 

The impressive Collegiate Church of San Patricio is believed to be the only church in Spain dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint.

 

The reason dates all the way back to March 1452. On that day the Battle of Los Alporchones took place near Lorca, when the forces of Castile defeated troops from the Moorish kingdom of Al-Andalus. The victory prevented a major raid on the surrounding area.

 

Because the battle happened on St Patrick’s Day, locals believed the saint had helped protect them. In gratitude, they dedicated their new church to him, creating a unique Spanish tribute to Ireland’s patron.

 

Today the feast day is still remembered in the city. Visitors can even celebrate with a special package at Lorca Castle, which includes entry to the fortress towers, the remains of a medieval synagogue and an audio guided tour. To top it all off there’s a locally sourced meal at the castle restaurant and a free beer to toast St Patrick’s Day.

 

 

Elsewhere in Spain, celebrations pop up in all sorts of places.

 

In Galicia, the Tower of Hercules in A Coruña is illuminated green to honour the shared Celtic heritage often associated with the region. According to legend, this area even has mythological links to the origins of the Gaelic people.

 

In Granada, Murcia, Benidorm and Santa Cruz de La Palma, processions honouring Saint Patrick take place in some towns. Universities and cultural groups also join in, hosting talks, concerts and readings celebrating Irish writers like Oscar Wilde.

 

Irish music groups tour the country as well. Traditional bands frequently perform concerts that bring a taste of Celtic culture to Spanish audiences who are more than happy to join the party.

 

And of course, you’ll find Irish pubs in just about every city and resort town doing roaring business on March 17. If there’s green beer, live music and a few shamrocks hanging from the ceiling, chances are you’ve found the right place.

 

 

It’s really no surprise that St Patrick’s Day works so well in Spain, since the Spanish already know how to celebrate.

 

Add a little Irish music, a parade or two and a few thousand people wearing green hats and the result is a festival that feels perfectly at home here.

 

For expats, it can be a comforting reminder of celebrations back home. For locals, it’s another great excuse to enjoy good food, good music and a lively street party.

 

So if you’re wondering where the best St Patrick’s Day celebrations are in Spain, the truth is there is no single answer. Madrid offers the biggest city spectacle. Cabo Roig throws one of the wildest expat parties you will find anywhere in Europe. Lorca quietly preserves a fascinating historical connection with the Irish saint.

 

Wherever you end up, the most important rule is simple: wear something green, raise a glass and enjoy the atmosphere. Sláinte!