Celebrating Saint Patricks day in Spain
Being wholly Irish owned and managed, we love to support our Real Estate Clients from throughout the world and show a traditional Irish welcome of Céad Mile Fáilte(100,000 welcomes in Gaelic) to all of our property sellers and buyers here on the Cost del Sol.
The national feast day is also a great time for us to share the history on our patron Saint, some information on his story and origins and dispense some advice and ‘know how’ on how to celebrate on this special day.
St. Patrick was a 5th-century Christian missionary and bishop in Ireland. His feast day and status as the patron saint of Ireland is now the premier Irish national holiday and St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th. It is a cultural and religious holiday commemorating Ireland’s most famous saint.
It is a day marked by wearing green attire( a token green item is acceptable too), along with various festivities held throughout the day. The Irish National Day has extended beyond Ireland and has become a global phenomenon.
Origin of St Patrick
Born in Roman Britain ( in Wales), he was captured by Irish pirates at the age of sixteen and taken to Ireland as a slave. After six years, he escaped and returned to his family. He later went back to Ireland as a missionary, where he is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity. Folklore also has Patrick credited with banishing snakes from Ireland.
For what it is worth, there are no snakes of any kind living on the Emerald Isle. Something did the trick, but for now let’s give the credit to St.Patrick.
St. Patrick's Day was originally a religious feast day observed by the Catholic Church. The day commemorates St. Patrick's death in 461 AD.
Celebrations in Ireland
The day has evolved from its religious roots into a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage. Throughout the length and breadth of Ireland (and Indeed across the world), the day is celebrated with parades, and festivities with the biggest and best being in Dublin. The entire Capital City Parade is televised live across the world, and the city is a buzz with excitement, and filled with visitors from all over the world and normally not a single hotel room is to be had at any price coming close to the big day.
Smaller towns and cities across the country also hold their own parades and events, displaying Irish music, dance, and traditional foods. Large parades take place in Cork, Galway and Limerick and Belfast.
Celebrations Abroad
A major day of celebrations is also held in the Irish communities throughout the world. The USA is a major contributor on the international stage, with cities like Boston and Chicago and New York, all holding their own parades and festivities.
Traditionally the Irish head of government travels to Washington and presents a bouquet of Shamrock (the national flora symbol)to the president. Shamrock comes from the old Gaelic word Séamrog. The symbol adorns all Aer Lingus planes and so is readily recognisable globally.
Australia and New Zealand also mark this special day for the Irish, and throughout the world major iconic buildings are flood lit green to mark the occasion. Even rivers are tinted with green dye, and beer is coloured green on March 17th.
St.Patrick’s Day & The Costa del Sol
While Spain may not have the same historical connection to St. Patrick's Day as Ireland, the celebration has gained popularity in recent years, particularly in cities with a significant Irish expatriate community or those known for their vibrant cultural scenes. On the Costa Del Sol, the Irish community and the not insignificant Irish pub presence, make sure that the day is a special occasion.
In Madrid, and at the heart of the Spanish Capital- St. Patrick's Day is celebrated with enthusiasm. Irish pubs and bars host dedicated events, offering traditional Irish music, dance, and food. The city often lights up iconic landmarks, such as the Cibeles Fountain and Puerta de Alcalá, in green to mark the occasion and parades and street performances add to the festive atmosphere, with both locals and tourists joining in the celebrations.
In Benalmadena, Bil-Bil Castle was turned green for the celebrations in 2024, joining the ‘greening’ of major global landmarks such as the Eiffel tower, and the Sydney Opera House. Check for more information on Bil-Bil Castle in our area guide section.
Barcelona, another major Spanish city, also embraces St. Patrick's Day. The city's Irish pubs are filled with people enjoying live music, dance, and a friendly atmosphere. Events such as pub crawls and themed parties are popular, attracting both Irish expatriates and locals eager to partake in the festivities. The green lighting of landmarks, similar to Madrid, adds a touch of Irish charm to the city's streets.
There is a strong and vibrant Irish holiday home and ex-pat community here on the Costa del Sol, and as a consequence, there is no shortage of Irish Bars in the south of Spain.
And for certain one thing that St. Partick did not see coming was the thriving success and eternal popularity of the Irish pub. On the Costa you have popular bars like Biddy Mulligans in la Cala de Mijas, and host of other Irish sounding bar names. I bet you somewhere in Spain there is a Shenanigins, an O’Hara’s, or a Molly Malone pub waiting with an Irish welcome of Céad Mile Fáilte just for you. A comfortable environment where you can sink a pint or two of Guinness to celebrate and toast St.Patrick.
Here at Martin Real Estate, we are proud to be Irish owned and Managed. We are pleased to find that clients of all nationalities, appreciate our smart professional and sincere approach to client support on all matters relating to property purchase and sale here on the Costa del Sol.
On St. Patricks Day or indeed any day of the year, you are guaranteed to get an enthusiastic welcome and friendly support from our multinational team so typical of the Irish reputation for friendliness that has made us famous throughout the world.
Call in for a chat or a cup of tea or coffee and discuss your property needs with our professional multilingual staff. If you cannot call in, feel free to look up our details on www.Martin-Realestate.com and give us a call to discuss your next property move.
March 17th has grown from its origins as a religious feast day into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage that spans the globe. In Ireland, the day is marked by parades, music, dance, and a deep sense of national pride. Cities like Madrid and Barcelona have embraced the festivities, offering a blend of Irish traditions and local flair. Whether in Ireland, Spain, or elsewhere, St. Patrick's Day is a time to celebrate the rich history and vibrant culture of the Irish people.
