La Palma and St. Patrick’s Day, a historical connection between the Canary Islands and Ireland

La Palma, known for its spectacular nature and its historical role in the Atlantic trade, has a little known link with St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

The relationship between La Palma and St. Patrick has its roots in the 16th century, when the island, thanks to its port of Santa Cruz de La Palma, became a key point in the trade routes between Europe, Africa and America. Irish merchants, attracted by the trade of Malvasia wine and other agricultural products, arrived on the island and established commercial relations with the local inhabitants.

During this period, the Irish community left its mark on the society of La Palma, both economically and culturally. Irish surnames, such as O’Daly, are still preserved as a reminder of the passage of these traders to the island. The figure of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, began to be recognized on the island thanks to the influence of these visitors and residents.

However, the relationship with San Patricio was not limited to trade. In Santa Cruz de La Palma, the saint became important because of his relationship with one of the most important democratic milestones of the city. March 17th not only commemorates Saint Patrick, but also the birth of the first democratic corporation of Santa Cruz de La Palma in 1773, with the celebration of the first democratic elections in Spain by census suffrage, thanks to the role of the Irish merchant Dionisio O’Daly.

Thus, every year on March 17th, Santa Cruz de La Palma celebrates not only the day of its Irish patron saint, but also the birth of its modern institutional life, in an act that combines tradition, history and democracy. This celebration becomes a living testimony of the historical ties that the island has with Ireland.

At Hacienda San Jorge, we are waiting for you to live this experience in the first person.

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