Santa Cruz de La Palma dresses in green to welcome the new edition of 'St. Patrick's Week', an event organized by the City Council that celebrates and honors the historical ties between this charming municipality and Ireland.
From Monday, March 11, to Sunday, March 17, the city will come to life with a series of activities designed for every taste. During this festive week, attendees can enjoy workshops, live concerts, and the chance to taste delicious products through tastings. The climax of the celebrations will take place over the weekend, promising unforgettable moments for both residents and visitors alike. Do not miss the opportunity to immerse yourself in this vibrant cultural and festive fusion in Santa Cruz de La Palma.
FULL PROGRAM OF THE ST. PATRICK'S FESTIVAL 2024
Monday, March 11:
Opening: At 7:00 PM, the presentation of the work "Anselmo Pérez de Brito: A Palmero for Freedom" will take place in the CajaCanarias Cultural Space, officially starting the festivities.
Tuesday, March 12:
Cultural tour: At 6:00 PM, Victor H. Correa, from the Cultural Heritage of the City Council, will lead a tour titled "Irish in Santa Cruz de La Palma: Commerce, Politics, and Religion". The meeting point is Marina La Palma.
Wednesday, March 13:
Special live broadcast: From 11:20 AM to 12:20 PM, the Cadena Ser program "Hoy por Hoy" will be broadcast from the City Hall Atrium, discussing the historical connection with Ireland.
Thursday, March 14:
At 11:00 AM, CEPA Guayafanta will take its class to the streets in honor of St. Patrick, with the collaboration of the Manolo Blahnik Art School and the Insular School of Music, in the City Hall Atrium.
At 12:00 PM, a tasting of products will be offered in La Recova.
Opening Ceremony: At 6:30 PM, the official presentation will take place, followed at 7:00 PM by a theatrical performance by the Pilar Rey Theatre School, which will review the achievements of Anselmo Pérez de Brito and Dionisio O’Daly.
At 7:30 PM, the lighting will be turned on in the City Hall Atrium.
Friday, March 15:
Tribute to O’Daly: At 5:00 PM, the Cultural Association Friends of Ireland La Palma will organize an offering in the San Francisco Parish.
At 9:00 PM, a concert by Non Trubada and Tihuya Cats at the Virgin Ship [La Alameda].
Saturday, March 16:
From 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, children's activities such as puppet shows, workshops, and surprises in the Playground of Llano de las Monjas.
At 1:00 PM, a concert by Alegranza Folk at the Virgin Ship ( La Alameda Square)
At 6:00 PM, Beer Festival with DJ Tenax and Jacobo Alonso in La Alameda.
At 9:00 PM, a U2 tribute concert also in La Alameda.
Sunday, March 17: St. Patrick's Day
At 12:00 PM, a themed guided tour for children and parents about the Irish on the island of La Palma, organized by the Tal Cual Troupe. Starting point: City Hall Atrium.
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.