Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2024 - *NOTE: These dates are for guidance as events can be changed or cancelled without prior notice. 

Benidorm has about 55 Fiestas every year so far too many to list, many of the smaller local fiestas will not be publicised until after the event but here are the main fiestas to look out for.  Some dates are the same every year and others vary, such as the carnival and the November Fiestas.

During EVERY fiesta you will see Mascletas listed on the schedules, these are the loud, thunderous firecrackers. They are fired randomly, particularly during the day. They are not for the faint hearted, they are really loud. The fireworks provide a spectacular view, but the Mascletas are meant to stimulate your body through rhythmic sounds and vibrations

JANUARY

January 5th - The 3 Kings Parade, Grand Procession, unmissable if you are in town - The parade generally starts at around 18.00 from the Parque de Elche (Dove Park) in the Old Town, the parade will go up the Avd de los Almendros and back down the Avd Ruzafa before finishing up at the Town Hall square and finishing off the evening with a fantastic firework display.

January 6th – 3 Kings Day itself and a National Holiday (red day/Bank Holiday).  This is a family day.

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FEBRUARY

The Carnival is an annual celebration, the date is dictated by when Easter falls, the Parades always take place on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday (14th Feb 2024), this year the parade will be Saturday 10th February, there are 2, a children’s one in the morning around 11.00am and a main adult one in the evening about 9.30. The procession starts at the top end of Calle Ruzafa (nr Crystal Park Hotel) and ends up at the main Town Hall Square. There will be plenty of elaborate costumes.

The Carnival finishes on Shrove Tuesday 13th February 2024 with the ritual Burial of the Sardine. This signifies the beginning of Lent. This is a solemn procession which again begins around 9.30 starting at Plaza Mayor, goes through the Old Town and ends up at Poniente Beach where the sardine is buried. (Times are subject to change), don’t forget to take your camera along…you’ll see some fantastic sights!

MARCH

March 7th - 20th Benidorm celebrates the 284th Anniversary of Mare de Déu del Sofratge  (Our Lady of Suffering) 

One of the main events is on 16th March, when the carving of the patron saint goes to the doors of the church.

15th - 19th - The Fallas Fiesta

The traditional Valencian festival of Saint Joseph the carpenter. Originally a contest amongst carpenters to create an effigy of the Saint, it has escalated to become one of the most spectacular fiestas of the calendar year. Festivities include processions with participants wearing elaborate traditional costumes, street entertainment, fireworks and live music.  For more details on this fiesta click HERE

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2024

March 17th - St Partick´s Day - When Benidorm turns GREEN

Not a Spanish Fiesta but a popular event for many tourists.

Many people dress up for the day so bring something GREEN with you.   There is NO parade as such, just people enjoying the atmosphere around town.  More information HERE

MARCH/APRIL

EASTER - SEMANA SANTA from 24th Palm Sunday

One of the most important weeks in the Spanish Calendar, with lots of processions to be found in the old town area.

For more details about Easter in Benidorm click HERE

APRIL

The Benidorm Elvis Festival - Running from 19th to 21st April this year. For tickets contact Round Town Travel

Get ready to swing that pelvis, Elvis is back in town. For three days, Benidorm pays tribute to the one and only King of Rock n Roll, Mr Elvis Presley.

This is the largest themed Elvis party held in the Mediterranean. Join countless 1000´s of likeminded Elvis fans in this Three-day spectacular in the Hotel Melia and other venues nearby venues with top Elvis acts providing the entertainment.

The fun starts with a welcome party by the pool at the Hotel Melia.

There are also prizes and competitions with a grand finale at the spectacular Benidorm Palace.

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2024

MAY

1st to 3rd  - Fiesta of the Holy Cross, (Festa la Creu), many districts in Benidorm will decorate holy crosses with flowers and organise holy processions through the streets.

The main event is 1st May and begins at 08.00 with the ringing of bells in the churches of San Jaime and Santa Ana, followed by a parade. At 11.00 festival entities and authorities will travel in pilgrimage from the church to the foot of the Creu (the cross), where the blessing of the municipality will take place.  After the offering of flowers, mass will be celebrated.

The program of the Festa de la Creu ends on Tuesday, May 3rd with a mass of the deceased in San Jaime at 19.00.

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JUNE

22nd – 24th  Hogueras de San Juan – Bonfires of Saint John – Bonfires generally in three districts of Benidorm; La Cala, El Campo and el Mercado (market). These fires signify the official beginning of summer.

As in March, monuments are built and exhibited in the days leading up to the night of 24th these will then be destroyed by fire which symbolises the end of old feelings and experiences and the arrival of new hopes and desires.

For some years some spontaneous parties have been held, the official bonfires are burned on the night of the 24th, but on the night of the 23rd, thousands of Benidorm people gather on the beaches of Levante and Poniente to celebrate the Noche de San Juan with amulets and symbols of the fiesta that is combined with the traditional jumping into the sea water to receive the promising summer.

*Please note, only official fires are permitted on most local beaches*

JULY

6th & 7th – San Fermin Fiesta, you may see men in the traditional white and red dress celebrating with local delicacies and drinks on Levante Beach.

16th - 21st – Fiestas of the Virgen Carmen. Head down to one of the Port areas in Benidorm, Altea or Villajoyosa where you will see beautiful floral processions through the town streets, ending at the Port when the local fishermen will go out to sea on a number of small fishing boats. From there the flowers are thrown into the water in remembrance of all who have lost their lives in the past and the present day to the Sea.

Among the main events, on Saturday, at 20:00 will take place the offering, in the Paseo de Colón.

On Sunday morning, at 10:00 mass will be celebrated in San Jaime and in the afternoon, from 19:00, the traditional marine procession will take place, which will depart from the port and tour the bay of Benidorm.

July 25th – St Jaime Fiesta (St James Day) – St James is the town´s patron saint, and all the usual religious parades can be seen in the old town.  It is also the National Day of Recognition for the Spanish Military and if there are any navel frigates in the area many of the marines will come ashore to celebrate.  Expect quite a lot of cannon fire. 

July 26th - Feast of Santa Anna.  This is considered in some countries of Christian tradition as Grandparents' Day.

A mass in the parish church of Sant Jaume y Santa Anna will be held at 20.00, afterwards there will be tasting of soft drinks, horchata and slushies.

Late July/early August - Low Festival - A 3 day event when Benidorm becomes a rock and indie hotspot.

Benidorm Fiesta Dates 2024

AUGUST

There are NO fiestas in August, but an incredible amount of cultural and artistic events. There are live concerts most nights in the Aiguera Park auditoriums, including ballet, opera, theatre and performances by leading popular international and Spanish groups and singers

SEPTEMBER

Benidorm Pride - Dates for 2024 2nd to 8th September

A series of flamboyant events leading up to the Playa Levante big parade on the Saturday.

Visitors can expect an exciting week in the resort that truly never sleeps. The main attraction for visitors is the old town which is where you will find the pumping heart of the gay village still very much local and Spanish where we visitors can blend in and mix with our lovely hosts. Enjoy up to 30 hugely friendly but small and intimate gay bars and eateries all nice and each other.  Find more information HERE

OCTOBER

Moors and Christians - Dates vary from year to year normally the end of September early October - 3rd - 6th October 2924

This festival is celebrated all over Spain as their history is deeply rooted in the battles which took place over control of Spain in the 13th to 15th century. Each fiesta is a theatrical performance with participants dressed in elaborate and expensive costumes depicting both sides of the battle. The music played by the live orchestras is especially composed for the fiesta and is very dramatic. Battles are re-enacted using replicas of the weapons used so it can become a little noisy.  For full details click HERE

9th – Regional fiesta celebrating the day of the constitution.

12th - Fiesta Nacional de Espana… (so a bank holiday).

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NOVEMBER 

The famous November Fiesta - Dates vary – The November Fiesta always begins on the Friday of the second weekend of November and officially end the following Wednesday.

Making the date for 2024  8th to 13th November.  Fancy Dress Day Thursday 14th.

Each town has its Patron Saint, and a fiesta is held in their honour which usually last one week. During this time the towns commercial activity virtually shuts down as celebrations go on practically 24 hours a day. Festivities include processions, dancing in the streets, live music, sporting events and firework displays. In Benidorm the Patron Saints are the Virgin of the Suffrage and Saint James the Apostle. The most outstanding acts during the week are the staging of the finding of the Virgin, the flower offering, the comic parade, the parade of floats and the great firework display which takes place on the last day of the festivities.

This webpage will be updated with a full schedule of events, just a few weeks before.

Europe’s largest fancy dress party Thursday 14th 

Benidorm Fancy Dress Party, the biggest in Europe! Once the Benidorm fiestas finish in November, the unofficial British fancy dress party starts on the day after. One of the greatest highlights of the year, and a must for all to take part and dress up. Visitors have to do great efforts to showcase a spectacular day of fun, colour and an amazing atmosphere.

Dates for 2025 - Fiesta 7th - 12th, Fancy dress day Thursday 13th Nov (not confirmed)

Saturday 16th November – Fiesta of the Carxofa (Benidorm) The Artichoke Fiesta 

Takes place during the third weekend of November and is one of the most endearing and oldest in Benidorm This Fiesta is similar to a thanksgiving or harvest festival. The burning of the artichoke takes place in the Square in front of The Royal Queens Hotel.

The day generally begins with the 'penjà de la Carxofa', followed by a parade from the Plaza de la Constitución to the church of Sant Jaume, where an offering is made to the Mare de Dèu shortly before a mass, once the religious ceremony is over the parade moves to the Plaza de la Constitución where typical garden produce is tasted.

Later in the evening generally around 23.00 the Crema (burning) of the artichoke takes place, music and partying continues until the early hours.

DECEMBER

Christmas in Benidorm - For full details about Christmas in Benidorm click here

New Year's Eve December 31st How better to end the year than at a traditional Spanish New Year's Eve party (Fiesta Cotillon) in front of the clock in the square. Free champagne and live music provide the entertainment. Don’t forget your 12 grapes which are eaten one by one on the strokes of midnight giving you luck in the year to come.

BENIDORM FIESTA DATES FOR 2024 NOTE: These dates are for guidance as events can be changed or cancelled without prior notice. 

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Fiestas - SAN JUAN FIESTA  (Hogueras de San Juan) 20th - 24th June

The San Juan Fiesta is held every year to celebrate the shortest night and the longest day of the year and marks the beginning of summer, also known as the Summer Solstice Festival.

This is an old Pagan ritual based on fire and water. It originated in the neighbouring city of Alicante and dates back to when Alicantinos farmers celebrated the longest day of the year on which the harvest was gathered, and the shortest night where all evil is destroyed.  This is the meaning of the fiesta, with the destruction of bad feelings and bad experiences, and welcoming new desires.  

The fiesta actually starts with the building of the bonfires etc from 20th June (Summer Solstice) but the main fiesta where everyone will be on the beach starts on the evening of the 23rd June and runs into the early hours of 24th.  The 24th June is a Public Holiday, shops, offices etc may be CLOSED.

What happens....

The Fire Element

Bonfires and papier mache figures (Ninot) are built on the beaches, at midnight the bonfires are lit and people will be seen jumping over the ashes to "Cleanse and purify the Spirit"

The Water Element

According to Pagan tradition the water element is seen to recuperate and rejuvenate again bringing good luck for the coming year.

As midnight approaches everyone moves closer to the shore line where some will just paddle others will go for a swim again this is to bring luck for the new season and wash away evil spirits.

This is a great evening and one not to be missed if you are here.  The beaches will be very very busy as its a popular fiesta.

Pack swimwear and do what all the locals do and take a picnic, get there nice and early as there will be 1000´s there. There will be temporary bars along the beach and music into the early hours and of course fireworks, no fiesta is complete without fireworks.

LOCAL SAN JUAN EVENTS

Alicante San Juan Fiesta

The largest San Juan event in the area is Alicante The Fogueres de Sant Joan Festivals and these are one of the most important events in the city’s diary. This festival has been officially declared to be of International Tourist Interest and its origins lie in the tradition of burning useless objects with the arrival of the summer solstice. 

Alicante celebrate this fiesta slightly longer than most other towns and cities and it begins on the 20th June and lasting until the 29th. It is a festival dedicated to fire, including events such as the proclamation (The Pregón), the setting up of the bonfires (the Plantà), the procession of the effigies (Cabalgata del Ninot), parades and processions in different neighbourhoods of the city and the main event on the 24th June, the feast day of Saint John Baptist, when large Ninots are set alight.

What’s a ninot? A ninot is a figure that is part of a falla scene, it is an individual, free-standing satirical figure, usually in the shape of a popular character or famous person.  These figures are remarkably lifelike and usually depict improper, satirical scenes inspired by current political or public events. 

What’s a Ninot Indultat?  A pardoned ninot, meaning it has been spared from the fire (Crema) by popular vote.

What is a ninot made of?  Ninots are colossal statues made out of cardboard, wood, paper-mache and plaster.  

Benidorm San Juan

Hundreds of residents and tourists will gather on Poniente beach (Calle Murtal)  on the night of the 23rd events end on June 24th with the firing of a mascletà at 14:00. on Calle Santander.

Unfortunately this is not held on Levante beach itself due to the strict laws prohibiting beach fires, due to the risk of burns to people who come to the beach the next day, from glowing embers under the sand, but there will still be 100s of people on the beaches running into the sea to bring in San Juan and the beaches are officially open until the early hours of the morning.

Beaches in Benidorm

*Remember that it is not allowed to make bonfires or access the beaches with glass containers.

During the night of San Juan, the lifeguard and rescue service will operate with extended and uninterrupted hours until 03:00. There will be three ambulance vehicles with medical personnel on the three beaches (parked on Bilbao street, Paseo de Colón and Vicente Llorca Alós avenue), to which the zodiac service will be added. Levante beach will be attended by 4 lifeguards , Poniente by 4 and 1 in Mal Pas, to make sure the night goes without any incidents.  Cleaning crews will be working from 20:00 distributing garbage bags among the groups of people who are on the beach and from 03:00 the big clean up will begin.

Public toilets will be open until 03:00.

Levante beach from previous years.

The main event is only a short distance away in La Cala de Finestrat.

La Cala - general schedule of events, below is from 2023

The traditional "Night of San Juan" at Cala de Finestrat has received the honorary title of Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community. It is a distinction that comes to recognize the popular and deep-rooted character of this festival in which the participation of all citizens and the integration of visitors and tourists is encouraged.

Events will begin at 17:30 with a Zumba session in the sand, from 19:30 a children's disco and, from 22:30, live music with “Los Astrolabios.” This program includes a break at midnight to participate in the tradition of jumping the waves and making wishes. Then, until 01:30. there will be music with DJ Jaime Llorca.

“it will not be possible to make fires, or use flying lanterns; It will not be possible to access with firewood, wood or glass containers, to avoid risks in the sand also remember Cala de Finestrat is a non smoking beach.

Albir

Information on 2024 Fiestas in Benidorm

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 All Saints Day in Spain (Todos Los Santos) takes place on November 1st. It is a very important national public holiday when people from all over the country return to their town or village to lay flowers on the graves of deceased relatives. There are few religious days that mean quite so much to the ordinary people of Spain as this day.

The traditional thing to do on All Saints Day is to purchase flowers, especially chrysanthemums and present them as gifts to their loved ones. It is the day of the year when the most flowers are sold, and the cemeteries are filled with colour from every type of flower imaginable. A beautiful sight to see, indeed! Churches also hold mass in memories of those deceased to supposedly shorten their time spent in purgatory.

As with most festivals throughout the country there are a number of special dishes which are associated with All Saints’ Day. amongst these is the tradition of eating roasted chestnuts, castañas,

Pannellets, small almond cakes apparently which are reminders of the days when home made cakes and offerings were left with the bodies of the dead.

Huesos de santo – the saint’s bones – which have marzipan, eggs and sugar syrup and buñuelos de viento.

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Puffs of wind – which are doughnuts liberally sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar.

There are times when it is easy to forget how catholic Spain can be but All Saints’ Day is a powerful reminder of the importance of religion, and of the family, even in the modern age.

Note that all shops, banks, schools and offices will be closed on All Saints' Day in Spain, this is known as a Red Day (National Holiday), in some areas if the 1st falls on a Sunday the Monday will also be taken as a holiday.

Find details of local fiestas HERE

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BENIDORM´S MOORS AND CHRISTIANS FIESTA 

Benidorm´s Moors and Christians Fiesta - 3rd to 6th October 2024

Streets decked out like the Middle Ages, magnificent processions, exciting mock battles…This is the festival of Moors and Christians: days filled with magic, legend and spectacle. this festival recreates the historic clash between two cultures.

The festival of Moors and Christians is a very old tradition that dates back to the 16th century. It commemorates the confrontation that took place between Moorish and Christian soldiers in the 13th century over the rule of Spain. The events are held in honour of the city's patron saint who also played a decisive role in the battle. Thanks to the saint's sudden and unexpected intervention, victory went to the Christians in spite of their being outnumbered by the Moors.

The attraction, grandeur and popular nature of these festivities have caused them to spread to many parts of Spain, although they are especially popular in Valencia and Alicante. There are many variations on these festivities, as each place has its own history and unique elements that set it apart from the rest.

The start of the festivities is truly spectacular and well worth seeing: the arrival of both armies in the city. Beginning in the early hours of the morning, the streets, balconies and windows fill with people intent on not missing a single thing. To the accompaniment of music and with all the pomp and majesty you could hope for, the various groups that make up the Moorish and Christian factions march in procession, desperately trying to outshine each others sumptuous costumes. It tends to be one of the most popular and impressive events and in certain cases.

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Another part of the festivities are the religious ceremonies held in honour of the city's patron saint. During the festivities, a floral offering takes place in honour of the Apostle Saint James, followed by a High Mass in the Church of Saint James and Saint Ana.

The spectacular final battle. It follows the so-called "embajadas" (meeting of envoys) in which each side reads a text in an attempt to persuade the other side to surrender. Once negotiations have failed, a mock battle ensues in which thousands of kilos of gunpowder is used, ending in victory for the Christians.

The final battle also marks the end of the festival.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 2024

Itenerary : Tomas Ortuno, Venus, Ruzafa, Martinez Alejos and Gambo to the Plaza de la Hispanidad

The above is the official schedule of events available at the moment, if any more details become available it will be updated, all events take place in the Old Town

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