With great regret, the organisers of St. Patrick’s Festival Puerto del Carmen 2026 have announced that the highly anticipated horse racing event will not go ahead.
Despite the significant excitement surrounding this new addition to the programme, the required final authorisation from Costas could not be secured within the necessary timeframe.
In a statement released this week, the festival organisers confirmed their commitment to operating within all legal requirements and regulations. “As organisers, we are fully committed to respecting all legal requirements and regulations. Although we are very disappointed, we must ensure everything is carried out in full compliance with the law,” they said.
The team behind the event extended their apologies to those looking forward to the spectacle, adding, “We sincerely apologise to everyone who was looking forward to this event and thank you for your understanding and support.”
Beach Activities to Proceed
Despite this setback, the organisers were keen to stress that the remainder of the beachside programme at Playa de Los Pocillos will continue as planned on the Sunday. Visitors can still enjoy:
- Hurling exhibitions
- The Charity 5K Walk
- Beach sports and entertainment activities
Looking ahead, the festival has expressed its intention to revisit the concept. “We hope to make the horse racing event a reality in future editions, as it was one of the big surprises planned for this year,” the statement continued. “Thank you for your understanding and we wish everyone a fantastic St. Patrick’s Festival 2026.”
What Else is Happening?
The cancellation of the horse racing is the only alteration to what promises to be the biggest and best celebration yet. Following a record-breaking year in 2025, the organisers have published a packed itinerary for the three-day event from Sunday 15th to Tuesday 17th March.
The unmistakable buzz is set to return to the resort with a full line-up of cultural exchanges, live music, and family fun.
Full Event Schedule:
Sunday 15th March (Playa de Los Pocillos)
- 11am – 5pm: Hurling & Canarian Wrestling on the beach.
- 3pm: NEW 5km ÉireLanza Charity walk/jog/run for mental health and suicide awareness.
Monday 16th March (Plaza del Varadero, Old Town Harbour)
- 5pm: Official opening of the festival. An exchange of Canarian and Irish flags featuring local Lanzarote group Güerma and Irish group Celtic Roots, followed by cultural music and dance on the main stage.
- 6:40pm: Dessie Hynes
- 7:50pm: The Sloanes
- 9:30pm: Conor Magee
- 10:30pm: Max Santalucia Band
- Midnight: Close
Tuesday 17th March (Old Town)
- 11am: Mass at Señora de Lourdes Church.
- Followed by a meet and greet outside, then a walk to the Varadero (Harbour) for Presentations and the Irish National Anthem.
- Live Music from:
- Al Murphy & Jordan Kay
- 2:15pm: Celtic Roots
- 3:55pm: Dave Courtney & Johnny Grogan
- 5:25pm: Gayle O’Donovan
- 6:35pm: Matt Keane & Band
- 8:30pm: Sean Magee
- 10:20pm: Nathan Carter & Band
- 5pm: The official St. Patrick’s Day Parade along the Avenida (Official route yet to be confirmed).
- Midnight: Close
Please note: Performance start and end times may vary slightly depending on stage setup.
Entry to all events is free, and everyone is invited to join in the fun. For more information, visit the official organisers’ website: https://www.sanpatrickpuertodelcarmen.com/en/
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