Experience the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day in Lanzarote

St Patrick’s Day in Puerto del Carmen has become an iconic annual celebration by the sea. Here’s an overview of the event and how you can be a part of the fun next year.

The sunniest St. Patrick’s Day in the world  

Every spring, a vibrant three-day St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes over Lanzarote. The streets are filled with a sea of green, orange and white as the island comes alive with shamrocks, Celtic music and cultural traditions. Over the years, the event has grown to become one of the largest Irish celebrations in the Canary Islands, strengthening the bonds between the Irish community and Lanzarote. It’s a treasured event that locals and visitors look forward to each year.  

Did you know? 385,000 Irish people visit Lanzarote every year  

At Villa Plus, we can’t think of a better way to celebrate – it is truly “the sunniest St. Patrick’s Day in the world!” Lanzarote is a favourite destination for our villa guests, who join thousands of tourists and residents in Puerto del Carmen to pay tribute to Ireland’s patron Saint, enjoying a joyful, family-friendly atmosphere along the seafront promenade.  

What events take place for St. Patrick’s Day in Lanzarote?  

This year, the annual St. Patrick’s Festival took place from March 15th to 17th 2026, and the festival was as popular as ever, featuring a packed program of events: 

Day One: Fun and games  

The St. Patrick’s Festival kicked off on the sandy Los Pocillos Beach. Events included lively Canarian wrestling, a 5K charity race, and a festival first: the Gaelic sport of hurling, one of the world’s oldest and fastest field games.  

Day Two: Musical medley  

On the second day, spectators enjoyed a Canarian and Irish flag exchange, followed by traditional music and dancing from Celtic Roots and Guerma. Later, concerts featured Dessie Hynes, The Sloanes, Conor Magee and Max Santalucia in the heart of the action at Plaza De Varadero (Old Town Harbour).   

Day 3: The festival finale  

On St. Patrick’s Day itself, a huge morning mass at The Church of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish took place. This was followed by a meet-and-greet and group walk to Plaza De Varadero, along with presentations and the Irish National Anthem.   

A highlight of the festival in the late afternoon is the colourful parade along the main strip. The floats glide down the Avenida de las Playas towards the Plaza De Varadero. This year, the Villa Plus team members were lucky enough to join a float!   

Everyone wears green from head to toe, and the festival welcomes all to join in singing, dancing and enjoying the spectacle. The sound of bagpipes fills the air and dancers in traditional outfits lead the way, creating an atmosphere rich with energy and excitement.  

After the parade, the celebrations continue into the night, with some amazing live performances by Irish bands. This year’s lineup included Celtic Roots, Dave & Johnny Grogan, Gayle O’Donovan, Matt Keane Band, Beatrice Senent Dance Group, Sean Magee, and the headline act, Nathan Carter + Band. Craft beer and Guinness were flowing, ensuring plenty of good craic and Irish cheer! The Villa Plus logo was also proudly illuminated on the stage backdrop for all to see.

Top tip: St Patrick’s Day itself is the busiest day of the festival, so arrive at Plaza De Varadero by 2pm for a spot near the stage, as the venue fills up quickly. 

Where to stay in Puerto del Carmen during the St. Patrick’s Festival  

If you’re looking for a place to stay in Puerto del Carmen for the St. Patrick’s Festival next year, Villa Plus has a fantastic selection of villas just steps away from the action. All villas come with private pools and self-catering facilities, making them the perfect base for relaxing and unwinding in the Canarian sunshine. Explore our hand-selected and inspected collection for your next Lanzarote holiday here.  

A showcase of Gaelic gastronomy  

One thing not to miss is the food and drink. The event serves as an amazing showcase of international gastronomy, highlighting a delicious blend of Canarian and Irish delicacies – perfect for keeping you fuelled all day and night. In addition to the pop-up festival stalls, many restaurants and bars participate with special menus, themed decorations and live music.   

Which pubs and restaurants take part?  

From traditional pubs to laidback dining spots, there are all kinds of settings to celebrate at:  

  • La Cascada – Meat and fish grills in a chic and cosy atmosphere.
  • Hawaiian Bar – Enjoy tropical vibes and sea views on the Avenidas de las Playas.
  • Murphy’s – An Irish pub with music all night long; you’re in for a great time!
  • Paddy’s Point – An Irish bar offering cocktails, beers and plenty of live music.

Top tip: Pubs and restaurants fill up early, so book a table where possible.  

The St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Lanzarote guarantees fun for everyone, whether you’re celebrating with your family, friends or partner. The event embraces the true spirit of Irish culture in the centre of Puerto Del Carmen. We hope to see you there next year! 

Practical information  

Festival locations: Plaza del Varadero (Old Town Harbour), Playa Grande, Los Pocillos and various pubs throughout Puerto del Carmen. 

Date: The official 2027 dates are yet to be announced, but the main festival day will be 17th March 2027, on St. Patrick’s Day. 

Entry cost: Free   

Dress code: Green!  

Getting there: Puerto del Carmen is a 10-minute drive from the airport. Parking is very limited on festival days, so it’s best to walk or take a taxi from your villa.  

Booking accommodation: Get ahead and book your Villa Plus villa in Puerto del Carmen today! Why not make the most of our low £100 deposit and spread the cost throughout the rest of the year? View our villas in Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote here

How to stay updated for 2027

For updates on the 2027 St. Patrick’s Festival in Puerto del Carmen, visit the official website: sanpatrickpuertodelcarmen.com  and follow @stpatricklanzarote on Instagram. 

The best spring cultural events in Europe

by Scott Crowe, Villa Plus Contributor

There’s something incredibly special about spring. The days start to lengthen, temperatures begin to rise, and landscapes come to life once again. Nothing quite spoils the senses like that warm ray of sunshine, which has been in short supply over previous months, the sort that hits your skin with an enriching dose of Vitamin D.

As the outside becomes enticing, so do the outdoor events in the calendar. Spring really is one of the best times of the year to delve into the heart and soul of your holiday location, with a range of festivals that cater for locals and visitors alike. In this blog, we’ll take you through the best spring cultural events by theme, covering our wide range of Villa Plus destinations. If you’ve gotten too used to the darker, colder depths of the Northern European winter, imagine the bright change of scenery spring brings. Browse our stunning villas selected by experts and start planning your itinerary!

Floral celebrations

There’s no better sight than spring setting in. These spring destinations burst into bloom, offering travellers a feast for the senses, combining stunning visuals, fragrant gardens and festive local traditions.

1. Festa das Tochas Floridas, Algarve

Where: São Brás de Alportel, Algarve

When: Easter Sunday

Head to the Algarve over Easter to experience one of Portugal’s most striking spring celebrations. Translated as the ‘Festival of Flower Torches’, each Easter Sunday locals carry tall floral torches in a procession through streets decorated with colourful flower carpets. You’ll be immersed in a ritual that beautifully captures the spirit of this region.

As an indication of how embedded the festival is in the local psyche, look to the food that the locals eat as part of the celebration. The almonds and pine nuts that form the staple of this event have been grown by the same family in São Brás de Alportel for more than a century.

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2. Anthestiria Flower Festival, Cyprus

Where: Paphos and Limassol, Cyprus

When: Early May

This ancient Greek festival lives on in modern Cyprus, where the arrival of spring is honoured with a vibrant floral celebration. Expect a festival of colour as Anthestiria lines the streets of Paphos and Limassol with intricate flower floats, lively parades and market stalls selling everything from plants to artisan crafts.

It’s the perfect way to delve deeper into the culture of Cyprus, whilst enjoying the generous spring sunshine. The atmosphere is very much one of cheer and inclusivity, making it ideal for any group of holidaymakers, including families. You’ll leave here with a spring in your step, of that we have no doubt!

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3. Infiorata di Noto (Baroque spring), Sicily

Where: Noto, Sicily

When: Third Sunday of May

Head for Noto to see a feast for the eyes this spring. The town’s central street, Via Corrado Nicolaci, itself surrounded by elegance, is transformed into a vast canvas of flower petals every third Sunday of May. You’ll see detailed floral mosaics that pay homage to different themes. In 2025, the inspiration was based on Catalonia in Spain.

This traditional Baroque artistic representation dates back to the 1600s, so you’ll be sampling an event that’s deeply embedded in Sicilian culture, as well as visiting the famous island at a time when it truly springs into life for the warmer months of the year.

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Culinary highlights

Spring is a season for fresh flavours, local produce and culinary exploration. Whether it’s the vegetables grown in the lush fields, meat farmed to the highest standards or the local vineyard’s latest creation, mark spring in style with some food at these events.

1. Bacchus – Fête des Vins et de la Gastronomie, French Riviera

Where: Toulon, French Riviera

When: March

Close to 200 wine and artisan producers from across Provence gather for one of the Var region’s most celebrated culinary gatherings at La Place d’Armes in Toulon.

Expect to sample cheeses, charcuterie and condiments throughout the trail of tasty stalls. There are live demonstrations amongst the spring sunshine, so take a notepad with you and leave enough space in the suitcase to fill your wine cellar with whatever takes your fancy!

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2. Fira de la Sípia, Majorca

Where: Alcúdia, Majorca

When: April

This spring food festival is marked as one of the most significant in Majorca and celebrates the island’s connection with the sea. Held every April, the event brings together fishermen, local restaurants and artisan producers to showcase their key ingredient of spring: cuttlefish.

Visitors can enjoy a wide range of dishes, from hearty stews to freshly grilled ‘Sípia’. Savour the authentic Majorcan flavours in the serene, maritime setting in the town’s harbour. Add in the glorious spring weather, live music and craft stalls, and you’ve got yourself a spring holiday that will live long in the memory. 

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3. Fritaje i proljetne manjade, Croatia

Where: Central Istria, Croatia

When: Throughout April

Head for Rovinj, Pula or Porec for the ideal base to sample this festival of local flavours. Centred around the deliciousness of traditional egg-based Istrian dishes like ‘Fritaje’, you’ll also enjoy a celebration of the seasonal ingredients that complete these culinary masterpieces. Produce like asparagus brings this choice to life, with it holding a central place amongst the menus of many restaurants in the region.

Look out for wine events to complement the feast of food. In 2025, the town of Gračišće was transformed into a series of taverns hosting local winemakers from across the region. Take a bottle or two back to your villa and admire the Istrian coast over a tipple.

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Cultural traditions

Springtime brings some of the most iconic cultural celebrations across Europe, where centuries-old traditions come alive. These events welcome holidaymakers with open arms and epitomise the sense of community in our hand-picked destinations.

1. Greek Orthodox Easter

Where: Corfu and throughout the Greek islands

When: 12th April

Greece springs to life quite literally as the new season sets in, and there’s no better way to enjoy the warmer weather than by the pool in a Villa Plus villa.

If we had to pick one Greek island to head to for traditional Easter festivities, it would be Corfu. The island blends Orthodox traditions with unique Venetian influences, creating unique customs you won’t find anywhere else in Greece. The ‘botides’ tradition is a particular highlight, where huge clay pots filled with water are hurled from balconies, dramatically smashing on the streets below. There are also midnight celebrations packed with lanterns, music and fireworks, along with huge philharmonic parades that are simply emotional.

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2. Día de Canarias, Canary Islands

Where: Throughout the Canary Islands

When: 30th May

Spring temperatures in the Canary Islands are quite often akin to summer levels in many other parts of Europe, making the archipelago a great getaway for some relatively early rays. To sample authentic island life, mark out 30th May. The Día de Canarias joyfully celebrates the local culture and traditions.

Expect folk music performances, sporting competitions and artisan markets that offer visitors a whole range of island specialities. The place is quite simply buzzing, and with villas dotted along all the prime locations in the Canaries, you’ll be in a prime position with Villa Plus to sample the day in all its glory.

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