Benidorm's long awaited Patron Saint Festivities 2026 are here!
The origin of a very authentic festival
What exactly is celebrated during Benidorm's festivities? Legend has it that 286 years ago a small boat arrived on the shores of Benidorm with nobody on board. Fearing that the crew's disappearance might have been caused by the plague, the authorities decided to burn the vessel. Surprisingly, once the flames had died down, a wooden statue of the Virgin Mary was discovered among the ashes, completely untouched by the fire.
This miracle is commemorated every November, a tradition that has long coincided with the return of Benidorm's fishermen to the town to reunite with their families after spending the long summer season working at sea.
Today, this remarkable discovery continues to be celebrated, bringing together Benidorm's residents and thousands of tourists visiting the town between 7th and 11th November, whether they are enjoying a longer holiday or making the most of a weekend getaway during these special days.
Plenty of surprises have been prepared for Benidorm's Patron Saint Festivities 2026, with an exciting new programme of activities. Once again, the traditional funfair returns, offering rides for visitors of all ages. You can also enjoy fantastic musical events and concerts, laugh out loud at the hilarious Humour Parade, admire the traditional Multicoloured Float Parade and experience the celebrations alongside Benidorm's local peñas (festival groups).
Benidorm Patron Saint Fiestas 2026: Mascletás, parades and great parades
The celebrations will get under way on Friday 6th November, as tradition dictates, transforming the capital of the Costa Blanca into a bustling scene of parades and street processions, accompanied by the sounds of marching bands. And, of course, there will be that unmistakable smell of gunpowder, without which Benidorm's festivities simply wouldn't be the same!
The festivities will officially begin at 6 pm, when the city's decorative street lights are switched on in the popular Martínez Alejos Street, right in the heart of Benidorm. This special occasion will be led by the new Festival Queens, accompanied by their Courts of Honour, promising a lovely and emotional start to the celebrations.
Don't miss the Fair of Attractions
As is tradition on the first Friday of the festivities, the official opening of the funfair will take place as night falls at Benidorm's fairground. What's more, there will be some fantastic low prices so that you and your loved ones can make the most of all the attractions.
From the witch's train and classic merry-go-rounds to exciting dodgems and a daring Ferris wheel, the funfair promises plenty of entertainment, whether you're visiting with children or simply fancy a fun-filled afternoon.
And here's a tip: don't leave without trying some of the delicious stuffed potatoes, the different varieties of churros or the roasted chestnuts on offer. These treats are especially popular with Benidorm locals who visit the fairground during the festivities.
The popular presentation of Peñas (clubs) in Benidorm Fiestas
They say the celebrations don't truly begin until the wonderfully extravagant and entertaining Entrada de Penyes Verge del Sofratge takes place.
This spectacular parade brings together all the festival groups belonging to the Associació de Penyes de Benidorm. Participants welcome the new Patron Saint Festivities with an incredible display of joy and enthusiasm.
It's a highly symbolic and entertaining event for both participants and spectators, and one that perfectly captures the spirit of Benidorm during its biggest celebrations.
We definitely recommend going along to get into the festive spirit before continuing the party atmosphere at Benidorm's peñas, local groups of friends and families who come together to organise and celebrate the festivities.
The parade will set off at 9 pm from Ruzafa Street and finish in Martínez Alejos Street. There, the Festival Committee will welcome the groups and present them with their flags, banners and decorative ribbons, which will add to the festive atmosphere throughout the night.
Staging of the Finding of the Virgin of the Suffrage
This is one of the most important cultural events of the celebrations and has been officially recognised as an Event of Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community.
On the afternoon of Saturday 7th November, at 5 pm, the sands of Poniente Beach will be transformed into a magnificent open-air stage.
The performance brings the maritime legend vividly to life: the moment three fishermen discover a drifting vessel, the fear of a plague outbreak and the subsequent burning of the boat, from whose ashes the statue of Our Lady of Suffrage miraculously emerges completely untouched.
A moving visual spectacle that reconnects Benidorm's roots with the sea.
Offering of Flowers to the Virgin of Suffrage
On Saturday 8th at 6.30 pm, it's time for one of the most heartfelt traditions of the festivities.
Thousands of festival group members and local residents will take part in a spectacular procession, setting off from Elche Park and making their way along Paseo de la Carretera and the Alameda.
The procession will end in the beautiful Plaza de San Jaime, outside the church, where a magnificent floral display will adorn the façade in honour of the town's patron saint, Our Lady of Suffrage.
The Benidorm Fiestas concerts 2026
Benidorm is synonymous with entertainment, and its festive nights certainly live up to that reputation.
Over the years, the stage in Plaza de SS.MM. Reyes de España has welcomed some of the biggest names in Spanish pop and rock, including Fangoria, Melendi, La Casa Azul and Seguridad Social.
This year's main free concerts in the central square are:
Sunday 8th November (11.30 pm): Concert by Funambulista
Monday 9th November (10.30 pm): Concert by Leticia Sabater
Monday 9th November (01:00 pm): Concert by Danny Romero
But don't limit yourself to the main square! The local peñas and lively street bands put together their own programmes, with DJs and live music filling practically every corner of the town.
Don't miss the Parade of Humour
Benidorm's popular Humour Parade is one of the most distinctive events of the Patron Saint Festivities.
It will take place on Tuesday 10th at 7 pm, with the aim of making everyone laugh through witty parodies and sharp satire, often inspired by current political and social affairs.
This year, four winning festival groups will be selected following a careful assessment by the judging panel, with prizes ranging from €400 to €1,000.
The grand finale: the Multicoloured Float Parade and traditional fireworks display
The festivities will draw to a close on the afternoon of Wednesday 11th November with the spectacular Multicoloured Float Parade.
This is a truly impressive display of creativity, with local festival groups spending months designing and handcrafting elaborate floats inspired by films, television and current events to amaze both spectators and judges.
The parade will make its way along Avenida de Alcoy and through the old town before reaching Elche Park.
And after the floats comes one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the entire celebration: a spectacular fireworks display near Elche Park, providing the perfect grand finale to Benidorm's Patron Saint Festivities 2026.
For the occasion, the renowned company Pyrotechnic el Mediterráneo, will present a dazzling and original fireworks show, illuminating the city in a truly special and innovative way.
Get your camera ready, because the views are spectacular!
You can view the official program for the 2026 Benidorm Patron Saint Festival here.
The afterparty: British Fancy Dress Party
When the official festivities come to an end, Benidorm's lively British Quarter takes over in the most outrageous way imaginable!
On Thursday 12th November 2026, Gerona, Mallorca and Lepanto Streets, together with the Rincón de Loix area, will host Benidorm's legendary Fancy Dress Party.
Although it's a completely independent event, it has become known as Europe's biggest fancy dress party.
More than 40,000 people gather in an incredible array of costumes for a spectacular celebration featuring themed floats, outdoor bars, photo opportunities and an unbeatable international party atmosphere.
Are you up for joining us for the Benidorm Patron Saint Festivities 2026? We'll be waiting for you!
