Redaccion
Get ready for an explosion of Celtic culture in the heart of Madrid: this Saturday, the iconic Gran Vía will turn into a green river to the rhythm of 600 bagpipers and over 1,000 participants who will parade to pay tribute to the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. From 3:30 pm, this Madrid artery will bid farewell to traffic to make way for 36 bands that, starting at 5:00 pm, will fill the air with the vibrant sound of bagpipes and the festive spirit of the Emerald Isle.
600 bagpipers and a free concert in Callao
The parade will kick off on Gran Vía and culminate at Plaza de España, where the echo of the bagpipes, led by the renowned St. Joseph’s Pipe Band from Dublin, will make the ground tremble. But the party doesn’t end there: at 8:00 pm, Plaza de Callao will become the epicenter of a free concert promising strong emotions. Bras Rodrigo, the soul of the event, and Patricia Tapia, the legendary voice of Mägo de Oz, will combine their talents to perform the official anthem of this St. Patrick’s Day, ‘Búscame’.
St. Patrick’s Day in Madrid: these are the activities of Ireland Week
As the cherry on top, the bagpipes of St. Joseph’s will resonate once again alongside the sweet voice of Pauline Scanlon with ‘The Half Room’.
An epic parade with 36 bands and much more
This third edition, driven by Bras Rodrigo in collaboration with Guinness, Tourism Ireland, and the Embassy of Ireland in Madrid, will be an energy extravaganza.
The Municipal Police will lead the way with a nostalgic touch: a fleet of vintage cars and motorcycles that will welcome the first groups, such as the La Tarabica Bagpipe Band from Guadarrama or the Peaky Dancers from Madrid.
From Dublin, the stars of St. Joseph’s Pipe Band will arrive, accompanied by the Irish Dancers of UCD Dance Society and a myriad of local and international bands: Xuntanza (Alcobendas), Os Xuncos (Ourense), A Píntega Marela (Madrid), and even the Scottish bagpipers Marián and Jorge.
Enjoyed the choir of St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin… without leaving Madrid
There will be no shortage of surprises: a Guinness bus, a U2 tribute band, the Madrid Harps Gaelic football team, the Bergidum Templi Templar Knights, and a secret musical group that will close the parade with a bang. From Zamora to Asturias, passing through Barcelona and El Bierzo, the folkloric talent of Spain will join this unique celebration.
Join the green wave!
If you’re looking for a plan for this Saturday, there’s no excuse: St. Patrick’s Day is coming to Madrid stronger than ever. Bagpipes, dances, beer, and an atmosphere that will transport you straight to the streets of Dublin. Are you going to miss it?
