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Benidorm Marks Centenary of the Coronation of the Verge del Sofratge with Major Public Celebration

Benidorm / 8 February 2026

Benidorm has brought to a close the commemorative events marking the Centenary of the Coronation of the Verge del Sofratge, its patron saint, with a large-scale religious and civic celebration attended by more than 2,000 people.

The main ceremony took place in the Plaza de SS MM los Reyes de España, where a Thanksgiving Mass was officiated by the Bishop of the Orihuela-Alicante Diocese, José Ignacio Munilla Aguirre, and concelebrated by all the priests of the town. The Mass was accompanied by the Benidorm Choir and the city’s three marching bands — Unión Musical, Societat Musical L’Illa and Societat Musical La Nova — with additional contributions from Camerata Ars Cantica, ACR La Barqueta and the singers of the Centenary hymn.

During the ceremony, the image of the Virgin was presented with a gold brooch in the shape of a crown, created through public contributions and engraved with the names of the people of Benidorm. The offering symbolised the affection and devotion of the town on the 100th anniversary of the Virgin’s proclamation and coronation as patron saint.

The events were attended by the municipal council, led by Mayor Toni Pérez, alongside numerous regional and national representatives, including the President of the Generalitat, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, regional minister José Antonio Rovira, senators Gerardo Camps and Agustín Almodóbar, and regional deputies José Ramón González de Zárate and Manuel Pérez Fenoll. Also present were the Queens of the Patron Saint Festivities, Laura Ivars and Carmen Guillem, with their courts of honour, as well as representatives from across Benidorm’s civic and cultural organisations.

Due to adverse weather conditions, some elements of the programme were adapted. The planned aerial display was cancelled because of strong winds, and the route of the procession from the Church of San Jaime to the main square was modified. The image of the Virgin was carried on the shoulders of the Mariners de la Mare de Déu through the town centre, accompanied by local festival associations, cultural groups and hundreds of residents lining the streets.

Following the Mass, the celebrations continued with a mascletà fired from the Óscar Esplá Auditorium. Later, during the return procession to the Church of San Jaime, Mayor Toni Pérez and Bishop Munilla unveiled a commemorative tile on Alameda Street, marking the exact location where the Virgin was crowned in 1926.

The Centenary celebrations concluded with the playing of the national anthem as the Virgin returned to her chapel, bringing to an end a historic programme of events that has been followed with strong public participation since its presentation in December.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Regional overview: steady pre-summer momentum

Across the Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Altea, L’Alfàs del Pi (Albir), La Nucía and Finestrat, the region is entering a strong early-season phase with increasing visitor numbers, expanding nightlife, and a growing calendar of small cultural and leisure events ahead of the main summer period.

Markets, live music, coastal tourism and community events continue to dominate activity this week, alongside ongoing infrastructure improvements such as new sustainability and mobility projects.

BENIDORM – Markets, nightlife and tourism growth

Weekly street markets in Benidorm remain a key attraction, including Wednesday and Sunday general markets offering food, clothing and local goods.

The Old Town continues to host craft stalls and informal street entertainment, while evening activity is increasing as the summer season approaches.

Live music is now a nightly feature across main entertainment zones, with tribute acts, DJs and bar performances contributing to strong visitor activity.

Tourism officials also note continued preparation for upcoming seasonal events, including the build-up toward traditional spring and early summer festivals.

ALTEA – Culture and coastal leisure

Altea continues to focus on cultural tourism and relaxation, with art galleries, artisan shops and small exhibitions operating throughout the Old Town.

Live acoustic performances and low-key entertainment are taking place across seafront bars, while boat excursions from Altea harbour are operating regular coastal and sunset sailing routes depending on weather conditions.

ALBIR / L’ALFÀS DEL PI – Community events and live music

L'Alfàs del Pi and the Albir area maintain a steady mix of expat and local activity.

Weekly Friday markets remain popular, while Irish pubs and live music venues continue to host regular bands and acoustic performances.

The Casa de Cultura is also hosting community exhibitions, theatre and social events throughout the week.

LA NUCÍA – Sports and weekend activity

La Nucia continues to centre around sports tourism, with its major sports complex hosting training camps and competitive events.

The Sunday rastro flea market remains a key attraction, drawing visitors from across the region.

FINESTRAT – Coastal leisure and markets

Finestrat is experiencing growing beachfront activity as beach bars and restaurants reopen for the warmer season.

Markets in La Cala continue on Tuesdays and Saturdays, offering local produce and artisan goods, while sunset dining and relaxed evening entertainment are becoming more frequent.

VILLAJOYOSA – Culture, coastline and local life

Villajoyosa is experiencing steady early-season activity, supported by its historic old town, colourful seafront and growing cultural tourism offer.

Local markets and small artisan trading continue throughout the week, while the seafront promenade is seeing increased footfall as warmer weather returns.

The town also maintains its reputation for traditional fishing heritage, chocolate production history, and quiet beach tourism, offering a more relaxed contrast to nearby resort centres.

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATE – Benidorm EV expansion

Alongside tourism growth, Benidorm is also continuing its sustainability rollout, including new electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the Levante area as part of its broader mobility and climate strategy.

The project forms part of EU-backed funding aimed at supporting low-emission transport across major Mediterranean destinations.

REGIONAL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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Benidorm Marks Centenary of the Coronation of the Verge del Sofratge with Major Public Celebration

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