Costa del Sol towns plan a variety of events to mark St Patrick's Day

The Costa del Sol will be raising the shamrocks and enjoying a steady flow of Guinness this weekend, as many towns will host huge street parties to mark the death of Ireland's patron saint.

The St Patrick's Day fun starts in Benalmádena at midday on Friday (today), when the world champion Celtic dance troupe, The Shevlin Twins, will perform a production of Lord of the Dance in front of the Casa de Cultura in Arroyo de la Miel.

Benalmádena's annual St Patrick's Day bash will not be held in the Parque La Paloma this year; instead, it will return to the Plaza de la Mezquita. The party, which will take place between 3pm and 8pm on Sunday 17 March, will be preceded by mass in the Church of the Immaculate Conception (1.30pm) in Arroyo de la Miel, followed by the parade from the church to the plaza.

Torremolinos will hold a two-day event with live music and entertainment in a large marquee erected in the Plaza La Nogalera, The entertainment starts at 11am on Saturday 16 March and will continue until 6.30pm. The party will take place during the same hours on Sunday.

Marbella is staging a three-day event in the Parque de la Constitución. Live music and world championship dancers can be enjoyed from Friday (today) until Sunday between midday and 8pm.