Hundreds celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Puerto del Carmen

The Plaza del Varadero in Puerto del Carmen’s Old Town quickly filled up yesterday as the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations kicked off with an awards ceremony honouring five Irish business owners in the resort.

The Irish spirit descended on Puerto del Carmen last weekend with games on the beach and concerts in the Plaza del Varadero, all of which culminated yesterday for St. Patrick’s Day.

Before the celebrations started at the Plaza del Varadero, there was a mass held at the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes followed by an exchange of flags, after which the square was opened and people gathered to watch the opening speech and awards ceremony.

Tias Mayor José Juan Cruz, Cabildo President Oswaldo Betancort and Eileen Izquierdo all took to the stage to thank the continued support of the Irish community and highlighted the importance and value of their long-standing trade in Puerto del Carmen.

After the speeches, this year’s winners of the Irish Business Owners awards were called to the stage to receive their awards. Those awarded included: Mai Blake, from the Irish Harbour Bar; Shay and Kathleen Byrne, from Paddy’s Bar; Gilbert Browne, from Spinnekar Bar; Gerry Flannigan, from Nelly’s Bar and John Killeen, from Lanzarote Investments.

A flag raising event followed the awards presentation as the square quickly filled up. The festivities continued late into the night with a large parade that toured along Puerto del Carmen’s sea front from the San Antonio hotel up to the Hotel Fariones.