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PLAZA La Mezquita in Benalmádena was awash with green on Tuesday as hundreds gathered to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
A full day of family-friendly music, dance, and entertainment was planned for the Costa del Sol’s largest party.
Organised by the Irish Association Spain, the event ran from 11am until 8pm, and brought together expats and locals from all over the Costa del Sol.
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The festivities began with a performance by students from the Irish School of Gorey in Wexford who are currently studying in Spain as part of an Erasmus programme.
The Irish harp and other traditional instruments were played, giving the day a real feel.
Celtic dancers then performed a humorous performance that blended Irish traditional dance with humour.
Later, the dancers invited the audience to join them. This brought laughter and applause from the audience.
The Celtic Chicks continued the music with a variety of Irish traditional songs. They quickly got everyone singing and dancing.
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The mood became more festive throughout the afternoon, as revellers gathered near the stage, to share drinks, music and spirit.
The headline act Totally Folk’d closed the event, closing it with a lively set that mixed traditional Irish music with rock and pop.
The energy was high even when a guitar chord snapped during the opening song.
The band played on, unabated. The crowd was singing loudly.
Not only Irish but also British, Scottish and Welsh nationals attended, underlining the event’s appeal.
Families, friends groups and visitors from all walks of life participated in the event, creating an overall strong sense of community.
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Sunny weather and temperatures of around 20C added to the festive spirit.
The visitors were able enjoy a variety of food and beverage stalls that offered both Spanish and Irish choices, such as churros and burgers with Irish sausage, and hotdogs made from Irish sausage. There was also Guinness available on tap.
The event has once again proved its popularity as a major international celebration on the Costa del Sol Calendar.
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