Colors of Benidorm - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The best time to visit Benidorm is certainly during the period of national holidays. Every celebration here is accompanied by an interesting entertainment program. Many holidays have very interesting customs and traditions behind them, so tourists will surely get many unforgettable memories. The most favorite and beloved holiday is celebrated on January 5. This holiday is called "Day of the Three Wise Men” («Cabalgata de Reyes Magos»). On the day of the celebration three kings arrive in the city. They give various gifts to children and congratulate them on the New Year. It should be noted that in this city Santa Claus is not as popular as the Three Kings. Every year children wait for the three ancient rulers dressed in historic costumes. A parade of chariots is one more good tradition of the holiday. These chariots are used by kings Gaspar, Balthazar and Melhor, who arrive in Benidorm in them. Beautiful chariots go through the main streets of the city, and their pages generously shower passers-by with sweets.

Another interesting holiday is celebrated on March 17. This is St. Patrick's Day. Many people also call it the day of Irish culture. During the holiday the local residents dress in clothes of green color and cook Irish dishes. In the afternoon various costumed processions are organized in the city. The local bars and pubs also prepare a special holiday menu for its visitors. For example, visitors can try a special green beer only during the day of celebration. The next day, March 18, is widely known as a celebration dedicated to the arrival of spring and is called Las Fallas de San José. If St. Patrick's Day is a small scale holiday, the spring festival is always marked by massive folk festivals and celebrations.

In order to welcome the long-awaited spring, the local residents construct huge figures made of cardboard, and then they burn them on the squares of the city. March 18 is always the time for various fairs and cooking contests. In the evening everyone gathers on the main square of the city in order to admire a spectacular pyrotechnic show. The celebration of Day of Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) is a no less striking event. It is usually celebrated in the first half of October. The celebration lasts seven days, during which visitors of the city can become the attendants of interesting street performances, music concerts and special events for children. This is the way the locals celebrate a memorable event - the expulsion of the Moors from the country. Everyone is welcome to participate in the colorful theatrical performance. All you need to do is to purchase a carnival costume, and you can take part in festive activities. Widest choice of candies and other treats is a mandatory attribute of the holiday. You can purchase delicious food in numerous street cafes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Residents of the city of Benidorm are open and kind-hearted, always ready to help. At first glance, they may seem a bit lazy and slow, but later you realize that they know how to appreciate life and small pleasures like nobody else. All the Spaniards share the same traits, and the inhabitants of Benidorm are definitely not an exception in this case. Hot and temperamental, they represent a fine example of the southern mentality, about which there are so many anecdotes and jokes. The favorite culinary delight is paella, and even separate festivals dedicated to this dish are held in city restaurants (approximate date falls on late October - early November).

Other festivals that take place in the city are no less colorful. Thus, one of the most interesting events can be called Iberia Festival dedicated to pop rock. It is held in mid-September in Plaza de Toros. Among the participants of the festival are eminent stars from different parts of the world, although, of course, mainly from Spain and neighboring European countries. Concerts last until late at night, which is really good for those wishing to have a blast (or «pasarselo bomba», as they would say here in Benidorm).

The end of March is marked by holding Electro Weekend electronic music festival. This is perhaps the craziest party in the entire region. Music can be heard from midnight until the early hours, and visitors have fun all night long, feeling careless and enjoying the moment - in other words, do what all local people are good at. And it's contagious. There are always famous DJs among those who entertain the audience, and the very music parties are held on different grounds: lovers of techno and tech house will appreciate Sala Manssion, fans of dubstep and extreme house will be delighted with Penelope, and Latin can be heard in Privilege X. By the way, there is no need to purchase separate tickets for the events.

Before the Great Lent in Benidorm, like in many other cities of Spain, there is always a carnival. The time is usually the end of February or the beginning of March. When night falls, people wearing original costumes come out to the central city streets - someone may be dressed in the suit of Superman, and someone - be in the role of Giacomo Casanova - and have a parade. All this is accompanied by a festive salute. And, of course, fun. The carnival ends after a few days, and its end is a bit strange ritual called "The Burial of the Sardine". According to tradition, a large caricature of the Sardine is put in a coffin, carried to the beach and burned, thereby producing colorful fireworks.

In late July, you can witness an event called Low Festival. Such music genres as rock and indie are welcome. The festival is called "low" due to its relatively inexpensive price, which allows to save a lot and enjoy high-quality music at the same time. The event lasts 3 days, during which visitors are entertained by eminent musicians from all over the world. The permanent venue is Estadio Municipal Guillermo Amor.

In April, Benidorm turns into an Andalusian city (there are a lot of people from this region living in the city) - the thing is that a festival dedicated to the traditional cuisine of this area is held at this time. And it is often represented by Tapas, Pescado Frito (Andalusian fried fish), Salmorejo and Gazpacho (traditionally prepared tomato soups), Flamenquín (fried fish or pork). The event cannot do without music - it is heard everywhere, and visitors can dance all day long. In early May, a medieval fair opens, so it is worthwhile to bear this in mind for those wishing to get something completely unique as souvenirs.

In mid-November, there is a celebration in honor of the Virgen de Sufragio. The celebration is marked by holding parades, musical performances, fireworks in honor of the patron saint of the city. It is believed that at this time she condescends to people and celebrates together with her admirers, giving them her blessing. Also, during the celebration, an event of taking the picture of Virgin of Suffragio out of a burning boat and bringing it to the church is staged. Since then, she has become the patron saint of Benidorm.