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Torrevieja and local areas Tuesday, March 22nd 2016 - Edition 590
St. Patrick's Day in Cabo Roig
Cabo Roig was turned Green once again last Thursday, for Spain’s largest St, Patrick’s day parade. Around 8,000 people packed the streets, which although was slightly down on previous years, this could possibly be put down in part to the parade also clashing with market day. But no matter, as those that did attend were treated to a day of music, wit, comedy, marching and entertainment, along with the opportunity to enjoy a swift pint in the beautiful Costa Blanca sunshine. As 5.00pm rolled around. Cabo Roig was awash in green white and gold, to ensure that this St. Patrick’s Day event was the greenest place in Spain. The Parade featured more than twenty floats with Irish dancers, Hip Hop dancers, Disney Characters, Stilt Walkers, Fire
jugglers, classic cars, Harley Davidson motorbikes and lots more, all led by St. Patrick himself with the new Pope, or at least someone who bore an uncanny resemblance, bringing up the rear and blessing the crowd with his own personal brand of holy water. The team from Viva TV were also on hand to produce a short news shot for Irish TV while TKO provided the music and entertainment before and after the main parade. The organisers wished to pass on a special word of thanks to all the fundraisers, for without them this parade would not take place and to all the businesses in Cabo Roig, who helped to fund the parade and to the Orihuela Council and other local entities for their backing and support in continuing the success of the event. The music and entertainment all started about 3.00pm although some of the local pubs and restaurants had been busy since early morning. The parade started at 5.00pm at the back of the strip at Aldeas de Aguamarina, continued up as far as the
medical centre and down the front of the strip led by St Patrick, closely followed by former members of the Irish armed services. To clear the route, more than 30 motorcyclists, adorned in Irish colours paved the way, followed by a selection of classic and custom cars from Club Torrevieja Classics and Specialists Cars. There were fewer cars this year than in previous years due to it being market day and local services could not guarantee being able to clear the roads and have enough parking for all those who wanted to parade, but the organisers noted that over the next three years the parade will fall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday and they have some big plans for these 'party' days. The organisers also wanted give out a huge word of thanks to the Orihuela Town Hall and Policia Local for all their help and support in making this year’s St. Patrick’s Day parade possibly the best parade outside of Ireland and the USA. More photos of the event can be found in our special three page coverage on Pages 6, 7 and 8, as the CoastRider bring you the best coverage of St. Patrick's Day, 2016.