Donegal involvement ahead of 'biggest St Patrick’s Day Parade on mainland Europe'

The Cabo Roig St Patrick’s Day Parade is set to take place on Sunday, March 15, to celebrate all things of Irishness - and, of course, there’s a Donegal twist.

The Letterkenny Pipe Band are set to appear - before making their way home to perform in their local parade on St Patrick’s Day itself, Tuesday, March 17 -  while Matthew Trainor, a Letterkenny man managing McCafferty's Bar in La Zenia will be pulling out all the stops.

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The St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cobo Roig, which is near Alicante, began in 2011, organised by a small group of local businesses and supported by members of the Irish expatriate community in the area.

From its humble beginnings, the parade quickly grew in both size and popularity. The event is now recognised as the biggest St Patrick’s Day Parade on mainland Europe, attracting tens of thousands of locals, expats and tourists who visit especially to attend the event. It is free to attend and is suitable for all ages.

Cabo Roig, on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is usually known for its beautiful beaches and chilled-out atmosphere that’s for the Irish audience. The main strip of Cabo Roig, renowned for its lively bars and restaurants, transforms into a vibrant, green spectacle, with buntings, banners and Irish flags flying. The entire strip and Calle del Mar shut down to traffic from approximately 1pm.

The parade has become more than just a celebration of Irish heritage - it’s now a major social and cultural event for the entire Orihuela Costa region, boosting community ties and local businesses.

The parade kicks off at approximately 3pm from Calle del Mar. Approximately 66 groups took part last year, including colourful floats, vintage cars, huge array of motorcycles, marching bands, traditional Irish pipers who travel from Ireland for the event, jugglers, stilt walkers, costumed performers, Irish dancers, Spanish dancers, children’s groups, all of which create an atmosphere that’s both festive and family-friendly.

Over the years, the event has drawn famous Irish guests, well-known Irish musicians and local dignitaries. Many of the floats and acts reflect not only Irish traditions but also the multicultural makeup of Cabo Roig’s community, infusing Spanish flavour with Irish spirit.

The fun doesn’t end when the parade is over, local bars keep the festivities going late into the night with live music and DJ’s.

None of this would be possible, organisers say, “without the support of Orihuela Town Hall, the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, local police, ambulance services and of course our Spanish neighbours.”