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Sunday March 15 Orihuela Costa's famous St Patrick's Day Parade

Each year, more than 25’000 people help paint Cabo Roig green for one of the biggest events of its kind in Europe

St Patrick’s Day 2026 is now less than a month away and in Orihuela Costa, it’s not just a parade, it’s a full scale spectacle that turns Cabo Roig into one of the liveliest spots in Europe.

On Sunday March 15, the Costa Blanca’s biggest and boldest Irish party returns for its 13th edition, and around 25,000 people are expected to pack the streets. The Cabo Roig St Patrick’s Day Parade has grown into one of the largest parades in Europe, drawing visitors from across Spain and beyond for a day that is loud, proud and unapologetically green.

The famous Strip will once again be transformed into a rolling festival of colour and sound as more than 60 acts make their way along the route. Expect powerful music including the Ex Irish Army Veterans Pipe Band, booming drummers, energetic dancers, stilt walkers and circus performers, plus classic cars, motorbikes and eye catching floats created by local businesses. Every year the standard gets higher and the crowd gets bigger.

Although St Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday March 17, the parade takes place on the Sunday so families can get involved. That decision has paid off, helping the event earn the title of best organised festival in the Vega Baja in 2024.

Leading the parade in 2026 will be Deputy Peter Roche, Fine Gael TD for Galway East, bringing a touch of official Irish presence to the Costa Blanca celebrations. According to the organisers, “Peter brings true Irish spirit, pride and craic to one of Europe's biggest St Patrick's celebrations. A dedicated public representative with deep Galway roots, he's the perfect person to lead our green parade down the iconic Cabo Roig Strip.”

The parade itself gets underway at 3pm, but from dawn til dusk it’s a non-stop party. Bars and restaurants will be serving traditional favourites like bacon and cabbage alongside special menus and plenty of Guinness, while live music and family entertainment keep the atmosphere buzzing into the evening.

As usual, the parade sets off from Calle Agua, continues along Calle del Mar and then loops back along the front of the Strip beside the N 332. If you’re hoping for a terrace table with a clear view, getting there early is essential as every year they fill up fast.

For full event details and updates, visit the St Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page and get ready to experience the best St. Patrick’s Day celebration on the Costa Blanca! Sláinte!

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