From Wednesday, March 12 to Sunday, March 16, 2025. As every year, the capital of La Palma will celebrate the St. Patrick’s Festival, an event that honors the historical ties between Santa Cruz de La Palma and Ireland. Over the course of five days, locals and visitors alike can enjoy a diverse program featuring traditional Irish music concerts, gastronomic tastings, children's activities, cultural talks, and the unique festive atmosphere of Ireland.
The event also pays tribute to the Irish merchant Dionisio O'Daly and the Palmerian lawyer Anselmo Pérez de Brito, who, through their fight for democracy, helped Santa Cruz de La Palma become the first municipality in Spain to be elected by its citizens
FULL PROGRAM OF THE ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL 2025
Wednesday, March 12 09:00 - 21:00 h 📍 Sentilibro Reading Club. Reading of contemporary Irish stories by authors such as Sean O'Faolain, Maeve Brennan, and Roddy Doyle. Talk: Irish Settlers in La Palma and Matías Rodríguez Felipe "El Damo", led by Fulgencio García Expósito. Closing with a tasting of traditional Irish dishes.
Thursday, March 13 17:00 - 19:00 h 📍 Children’s Workshop: "Magical Fables of Leprechauns". Storytelling and interactive workshop on Irish legends by Pilar Fernández García.
Friday, March 14 19:00 h 📍 Theater Play: "The Legacy". A short theatrical performance where historical figures Anselmo Pérez de Brito and Dionisio O'Daly come to life in the present to reflect on their accomplishments.
19:30 h 📍 Commemorative Lighting Ceremony
21:00 h 📍 Irish Music Session
Saturday, March 15 10:30 h 📍 "Little St. Patrick’s" (Children’s Animation).Activities for the little ones, including face painting, creative workshops, and many surprises.
13:30 h 📍 Irish Music Session
19:30 h 📍 Concert by The Jig Kickers
21:00 h 📍 Concert by Deira
22:30 h 📍 Irish Music Session
Sunday, March 16 10:30 h 📍 Guided Family Tour: "The Irish in La Palma". A cultural tour led by Tal Cual Troupe to explore the Irish heritage on the island. 12:00 - 13:30 h 📍 Exhibition of Vintage Vehicles. From Plaza de La Constitución to Casa Principal de Salazar. 12:30 h 📍 Parade in Honor of O'Daly and Floral Offering. From Casa Principal de Salazar to Plaza de San Francisco. Organized by the Cultural Association Amigos de Irlanda La Palma.
Dionisio O’Daly: The Irishman Who Wove Freedom in La Palma
Dionisio O’ Daly, originally from County Cork in Ireland, was born around 1737, although the exact date of his birth is unknown. In the second half of the 18th century, he settled in La Palma and dedicated himself to trade with major European cities such as London, Antwerp, and Hamburg.
The reform policy of Carlos III, King of Spain between 1759 and 1788, which allowed for the inclusion of popular representatives alongside the perpetual councilors, favored O’Daly, who was elected as a syndic personero of the Cabildo of La Palma, precursor to today's City Council of Santa Cruz de La Palma.
This same reform had allowed a year earlier for Anselmo Pérez de Brito to be named a deputy of the common, triggering a fierce battle against the corruption of the perpetual councilors. O’Daly's election was challenged on the basis of his foreign status, which led him to defend his position in a famous lawsuit against the councilors of the Cabildo of La Palma, with Pérez de Brito acting as his lawyer and taking the case to the Royal and Supreme Council of Castile to denounce the injustices of the administration.
The councilors attempted to arrest O’Daly, who avoided capture by leaving the island. The case ended with the decision of the Supreme Council to abolish the government of the perpetual councilors from January 1, 1773, making La Palma a pioneer in Spain for having the first democratically elected City Council.
After being acquitted of all charges, O’Daly returned to La Palma, where he held significant positions, including that of senior councilor of the City Council of Santa Cruz de La Palma and founding member of the Royal Economic Society of Friends of the Country. Dionisio O’Daly died in the capital of the island of La Palma on March 16, 1796, leaving a legacy of fighting for justice and democracy.