Thousands of people packed the streets of Cabo Roig on Sunday 15 March as the area once again turned green for its annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade. The event is now widely regarded as the largest Saint Patrick’s Day celebration in Europe outside Ireland and remains a highlight of the Orihuela Costa calendar.

The parade began at 3pm, making its way along Calle Mar and Calle Cielo, where crowds gathered several rows deep. Floats, motorcyclists, traditional bagpipers, dancers, stilt walkers and local groups created a colourful and noisy spectacle, with Irish flags, shamrocks and leprechauns on display throughout.

As the procession moved through the area, the celebrations spilled into nearby bars and terraces, where many continued the festivities well into the afternoon. Residents and visitors from across the municipality joined the street party atmosphere.

Although the parade now attracts thousands each year, it began as a small grassroots initiative and still operates on a modest municipal budget. Its continued growth reflects the international character of Orihuela Costa and the strong community spirit along the coast.