Festivals in Benidorm

1. Three Kings’ Day (Día de los Reyes) – Jan 5-6

On January 5th there is the traditional “Cabalgata de Reyes” parade through the town, culminating in fireworks.
January 6th is a public holiday: families gather, children receive gifts from the Three Kings.
It marks the start of the year’s festive calendar in Benidorm.

2. Carnival – Typically late Feb / early March

This includes children’s and adult parades, elaborate costumes, music and festive street atmosphere.
The “Burial of the Sardine” marks the end of Carnival, a fun but symbolic event.

3. Las Fallas – Mid-March

Las Fallas in Benidorm is a five-day celebration from March 15-19, dedicated to the patron saint, San José. The festival features the creation and burning of giant papier-mâché sculptures called “ninots,” which are satirical and artistic monuments set up in different neighborhoods. Festivities include music, parades, fireworks, and the grand finale on March 19, “La Crema,” when the ninots are set on fire.
A Valencian-style festival honouring Saint Joseph (though beyond Benidorm it is more famous in Valencia). It features giant effigies, fire, fireworks and processions.
Great opportunity to experience local tradition, loud and vibrant.

4. Hogueras de San Juan – June 22-24

Celebrates the summer solstice (longest day of the year) with bonfires, fireworks and a big beach party atmosphere.
On the night of June 23rd people gather on the beach for rituals (sea jumps etc) for good luck in the coming season.

Further Info: Hogueras de San Juan, or the Bonfires of Saint John, is a traditional Spanish festival celebrated primarily in Alicante from June 19-24, though its origins are in the summer solstice celebrations of ancient pagan times. The festival honors Saint John the Baptist and the arrival of summer with bonfires, fireworks, parades, music, and food, often featuring large artistic monuments that are ultimately burned. Key traditions include throwing wishes into the fire, jumping over the flames for good luck, and taking a midnight swim in the sea.

5. Benidorm Pride – Early September

A week-long LGBTQ+ celebration culminating in a colourful parade (often from Levante Beach area) and large public show.
Very inclusive, modern – especially popular with international visitors.

6. Festes Majors Patronals de Benidorm (Patronal Festivities) – Second weekend of November

The Festes Majors Patronals (Major Patron Saint Festivals) in Benidorm are held annually from the Friday before the second weekend of November until the following Wednesday, honoring the patron saints La Virgen del Sufragio and San Jaime Apostle. Key events include the recreation of the Finding of the Virgin, flower offerings, parades (including the Humor Parade and float parade), and a final fireworks display. The celebrations are preceded by a “Cultural Week” and the events lead up to a large fancy-dress party on the Thursday after the main festivities.

These are the town’s main patron saint festivities, honoring Virgen del Sufragio (Mare de Déu del Sofratge) and San Jaime (Apostle).
They include religious processions, fireworks, big street parties, decorations.
On the Thursday after the official festivity week there is a huge Fancy Dress Day party (especially for international visitors) where tens of thousands gather in costume.

7. Other Highlighted Holidays / Events

St James’ Day (July 25) – Patron saint day for Benidorm, religious parades in Old Town.
Valencian Community Day – October 9: regional holiday in the Valencian Community, observed in Benidorm.
The music‐festival event Low Festival (late July) is not a traditional holiday but a major cultural draw for the town.