Are you feeling green and looking for some fun? Then head to Benidorm, where the city is preparing for its St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
On Tuesday, 17 March, the Costa Blanca resort will once again turn green. Locals, expats and visitors will celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, a tradition that has grown hugely in popularity over the past few decades.
According to Benidorm’s councillor for events, Jesús Carrobles, the celebration continues to attract more visitors every year.
“We are seeing an increasing number of visitors for this reason,” Carrobles said, adding that although the main celebration takes place on 17 March, events are already happening throughout the week in bars and venues across the city.
“In fact, there’s already a great atmosphere in some areas of Benidorm,” he explained.
A tradition that has grown over 30 years
While St Patrick’s Day has long been popular in Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide, the celebration has gradually become a major date on the social calendar in Benidorm as well.
Carrobles pointed out that the event has been growing naturally for around 30 years, with more venues joining the celebrations each year.
With support from Visit Benidorm, the city hopes to give the festival even greater visibility.
“This year Benidorm will be greener than ever,” Carrobles said, explaining that many bars and entertainment venues will organise their own activities so visitors can enjoy the atmosphere across different parts of the resort.
From one pub to a city-wide celebration
One of the people who has watched the celebration grow is Lisa Griffin from the well-known The Shamrock Irish Pub.
She remembers when things were very different.
“Thirty years ago, the Shamrock was the only venue celebrating St Patrick’s Day,” she said. “And look at us now.”
Today the event has become one of the biggest themed celebrations in Benidorm, bringing together visitors from the UK, Ireland and across Europe.
“It’s a very important day for us and for Benidorm in general,” Griffin added.
New stage near Levante Beach
One of the new additions this year will be a stage on Calle Bilbao, close to the Levante Beach Promenade.
The stage has been set up because many venues in the area have joined the celebrations, helping create a festive atmosphere with music and entertainment.
Carrobles believes the continued growth of St Patrick’s Day celebrations could eventually rival other major events in the city, including the famous Benidorm Fancy Dress Festival.
