The Irish spirit floods every corner of Puerto del Carmen this Monday in a celebration that began with the morning mass in the parish of Nuestra Señora de Lourdes, the ceremonial flag-raising ceremony with the mayor of Tías, the president of the Cabildo and the consul of Ireland in Lanzarote, the tribute to Irish businessmen and live concerts.
José Juan Cruz, Oswaldo Betancort and Eileen Izquierdo congratulated the Irish community for this celebration, which is “vibrant and full of emotion”. Varadero Square has been dressed in green since last Friday with a large number of residents and tourists enjoying the festive atmosphere, a symbol of the strong bond between Ireland and Lanzarote.
One of the highlights of Monday's event was the recognition of five Irish businessmen who, for more than two decades, have been pillars in the Puerto del Carmen community. The honorees are Mai Blake, from the Irish Harbour Bar; Shey and Kathleen Byrne, from Paddy's Bar; Gilbert Browne, from Spinnekar Bar; Gerry Flannigan, from Nelly's Bar and John Killeen, from Lanzarote Investments
The mayor of Tías, José Juan Cruz, expressed his gratitude to the businessmen and to the Irish community “for choosing Puerto del Carmen”. “For more than 50 years, thousands of Irish citizens have made this place their favorite destination, creating bonds of friendship and collaboration that we continue to strengthen today,” he added.
The president of the Cabildo of Lanzarote, Oswaldo Betancort, recalled that the island “has been for decades, and will continue to be, the favorite destination of thousands of Irish citizens who have also found their home here, thus contributing to the development and enrichment of our island”. The island official congratulated the large Irish community of Lanzarote, and thanked them “for the effort with which they also contribute so that every Irish person - this is the second issuing market on the island, behind the United Kingdom - who arrives in Lanzarote and La Graciosa feels at home”.
The festivities continue throughout the day with live music in the Plaza del Varadero and the expected St. Patrick's Day parade, which will run along Avenida de las Playas from Avenida Italia to Plaza del Varadero starting at 5:00 p.m. All residents and tourists are invited to join this celebration that strengthens the cultural and friendship ties between Lanzarote and Ireland.
