Hey guiris! Are you starting to get that spring fever? Looking to let those ants out of your pants and get a little weird? Well, we at The Guide have a treat in store for you: a list of St Patrick’s Day Events in Madrid that will knock those pants right off and send them express to mars!

This year, Madrid is combining the classic tradition of Irish bars, bombastic parties, black tie galas, and general hooliganism, mixed with a little bit of wholesome Irish tradition and culture. Needless to say, it’s going to be a blast, so let’s get down to details:

St Patrick’s Day Events in Madrid

The Irish Embassy
Events from Sunday March 13th to Friday March 18th

St Patrick’s Family Fun Day, Parque Deportivo, Puerta de Hierro, on March 13th:
This blow out includes traditional Irish dancers and musicians, Gaelic football, hurling matches, and Irish films. For families with children, the event also includes temporary tattoos, stickers, storytelling, and Irish theatre! Enjoy traditional Irish cuisine from the vendors at the park, or feel free to pack your own picnic.

St Patrick’s Charity Gala, Westin Palace Hotel on March 18th:
A perfect opportunity for networking and adding a little sparkle to your life, this black tie charity ball is brought to do by the embassy in conjunction with the Spanish Irish Business Network. The 100€ entrance may seem steep, but grants access to: cocktails and appetizers, a four course Irish meal (smoked salmon, angus beef etc), an open bar, live entertainment from the Irish Treble, and a raffle to benefit families affected by William’s Syndrome. Plus, it’s held at the Palace, darling! What’s not to love?

The Irish Rover (Av del Brasil, 7, 28020 Madrid)
Events from Sunday the 14th to Friday the 18th, with a month long themed menu!

Themed pub quiz and language exchange, March 14th and 15th
On Monday, they’ve got a great Irish themed pub quiz, followed by an intercambio on Tuesday!

Live music from The Colonials, March 17th and 18th
The Colonials (who are flown in from Ireland just for this!) are returning with another great set, dancing, and countless opportunities to make new friends! Another great reason to go: free necklaces, drinks, and some yummy snacks! Grab your entry bracelet at the door and get a free drink, and/or visit at any time in March to try their Irish themed menu.

Irish bars in Madrid

Do you like to play it fast and loose? Make party decisions on the fly? We get you, guiri. You’re a wild child, with a lust for casual fun and nights that might get a little weird. So we’ve got just what you need- a complete list of Irish Bars in Madrid . These spots have all planned some of their wildest parties yet (Dubliner’s is already talking a big game), and they’re all just for you. Get your green on, you crazy thing.

Join Us!

Here at Guiri Guide, we’ll be participating in the Global Greening campaign (see below) and hitting up numerous parties! Feel free to join the movement and tweet us your St Patrick’s Day photos and stories! @Guiri_guide

Are you a St Patty’s newbie? Here are a few things you should know…

Global Greening

Countries across the world are jumping on the Irish bandwagon by participating in the Global Greening campaign. One example in our very own Madrid is the Cibeles fountain and palace, which will glow various shades of green all evening on March 17th, so be sure to walk by and check it out! A few reasons why this is happening:

St Patty’s complicated, yet glorious history…

 

Let’s take this back a moment and remember why we’re drinking all this beer: St Patrick’s Day was crowned as an official feast day during the 17th century, originally as a celebration of St Patrick’s, and thus Christianity’s, arrival in Ireland. As the years went by, the day graduated into the day we know and love: a celebration of Irish heritage, culture, music, and origins. Religious and cultural festivals (or a mix of both) can be found not only in Ireland, but throughout the world: the largest non-national celebrations are held in Canada, Great Britain, Argentina, and the United States. Even the international space station throws a party (though I’m still waiting for my invite)!

A quick tip on your getup:

The color green and/or the sporting of a green shamrock are non-optional, unless you want to get pinched! The shamrock has been worn for centuries to represent luck, Irish heritage, and (at times) the Catholic Church. Whichever representation you choose to honor just make sure you’re wearing green or (and again, I do not joke and am 100% speaking from personal experience), some enthusiastic, slightly tipsy partier will definitely pinch you. Then again, that might be exactly what you’re looking for! 😉

Have fun guiris! We love you!