Benidorm Turns Green for St Patrick’s Day Celebrations

Thousands  to join Irish-themed festivities across the Costa Blanca resort

Benidorm / 17 March 2026

One of Europe’s most popular holiday resorts is once again turning green as thousands of visitors gather to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.

Originally a religious feast day honouring Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick’s Day has grown into a global celebration of Irish culture. Marked annually on 17 March, the day commemorates Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, and is now celebrated worldwide with parades, music, traditional food and the wearing of green.

Although Spain does not officially observe the holiday, Benidorm has embraced the tradition for more than 30 years. Over time, the Costa Blanca resort has become one of the leading destinations outside Ireland for St Patrick’s Day celebrations, attracting large numbers of British, Irish and international visitors.

Throughout the resort, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues are decorated with shamrocks, green lights and Irish-themed displays, while visitors dress in green to join the festivities. The event has grown into one of the biggest dates in Benidorm’s entertainment calendar, with celebrations continuing from morning through to late at night.

Celebrations in 2026

This year St Patrick’s Day falls on Tuesday 17 March, with a full programme of events taking place across the resort.

The main celebrations will once again centre around the Rincón de Loix area, particularly along Calle Gerona. However, for 2026 the festivities are expanding, with more venues than ever taking part and events planned throughout the week leading up to the main day.

A new addition this year is the installation of a stage on Bilbao Street, close to the Levante promenade, where live performances and entertainment will take place as part of the extended celebrations.

The event also coincides with the Fallas festival (15–19 March), giving visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Spanish culture alongside the Irish-themed festivities, including parades, fireworks and the spectacular “La Cremà”.

A spokesperson for Benidorm’s tourism sector said:
"St Patrick’s Day in Benidorm has developed into one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations of the year. Visitors from across the UK, Ireland and Europe come together to enjoy the music, the atmosphere and the fantastic weather."

Local business representatives highlighted the growing scale of the event.

"We are seeing an increasing number of visitors coming specifically for St Patrick’s Day," said one tourism official. "For the first time, the City Council, Abreca and local businesses are working together to make the celebration even bigger, with events taking place throughout the week."

Irene Carreño added:

"This celebration has grown naturally over the past 30 years, and with the support of Visit Benidorm this year, the resort will be greener than ever. More venues are involved, each offering their own programme so everyone can come and enjoy themselves."

Lisa Griffin, manager of the Shamrock pub, reflected on the event’s origins:
"Thirty years ago, the Shamrock was the only venue celebrating St Patrick’s Day – and look at it now. It’s become a hugely important day for Benidorm."

Local authorities have also introduced extended music hours to support the celebrations, allowing higher sound levels from midday until 8pm, after which standard regulations will apply.

Officials say the continued growth of the event is clear, with expectations that St Patrick’s Day in Benidorm could soon rival other major celebrations in the resort’s calendar.

With warm spring weather, a lively atmosphere and a growing programme of events, Benidorm is once again set to deliver one of the largest St Patrick’s Day celebrations outside Ireland.

Whether visitors come for the music, the atmosphere or simply to enjoy the sunshine, one thing is certain – Benidorm will be awash with green as it celebrates Irish culture in true Mediterranean style.