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The countdown is on for one of the most anticipated celebrations on the Orihuela Costa. In two weeks time, on Friday March 17, the coastal resort of Cabo Roig will turn green as thousands of visitors and locals line the streets to enjoy one of the most famous St Patrick’s Day parades in Europe.

 

After a two-year hiatus during the coronavirus pandemic, the iconic event was set to make a return in all its glory in 2022, but the weather had other ideas and the parade had to be called off at the last minute due to a torrential storm that all but drowned Alicante.

 

But this year’s procession promises to be bigger and better than ever and organiser Brian Kiernan and the event committee have set their sights on making the Cabo Roig parade the largest outside of Ireland.

 

“A lot of fundraising events are taking place in Cabo Roig to fund the day and hopefully a great day will be had by all,” Brian said.

 

In fact, bars and restaurants across the resort have been organising outings and games for months now to back the event and expats of every nationality have clubbed together, enjoying quiz nights, sponsored walks, golf days, raffles and bowling while raising funds.

 

This year, the parade will commence at 3pm at Calle Agua and proceed up the back of the Strip before swinging along to the front. Local man José Antonio García del Amo will play the part of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick, who will of course lead the procession, followed by the pipes and drums band from Torrevieja.

 

The parade Marshall for 2023 is Anthony Molloy, former footballer and captain of the Donegal side that won the All Ireland in 1992. Mr Molloy, who is currently a member of the Donegal County Council, will be joined in his march by members of the parade committee and the mayor and councillors from Orihuela Town Hall. There’ll be lots of other surprise guests taking part on the day as well.

 

The colour, exuberance and pure spectacle of the parade has to be seen to be believed: dance troupes, community groups, countless floats and artists will stream through Cabo Roig while Irish Army veterans will bring a feeling of solemnity and pride to the event.

 

Although the main procession begins at 3pm most venues will have live music all day long, and well into the night as well. Bars and restaurants along the Strip will be thronged from morning so be sure to get there early to grab a good spot to watch the parade.

 

 

Images: St Patrick’s Day Parade Cabo Roig