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Local & Spanish

Benidorm / 18 February 2026
Benidorm City Council has announced a wide-ranging programme of events to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, with concerts, theatre, workshops and conferences taking place between 20 February and 20 March.
Organised by the Department of Equality, the initiative aims to celebrate the role of women in culture, society and history, while encouraging participation from local associations and community groups.
Councillor for Equality Ángela Zaragozí described the programme as “extensive and very complete”, thanking local organisations for their contributions and involvement.
Cultural Highlights
The programme opens on 20 February with the concert Women Composers, performed by the Meyerbeer Quartet at the Town Hall Auditorium as part of the ‘Culture for Equality’ series.
Theatre performances will follow, including Las mañanas de sol on 4 March and Ella on 5 March, both staged at the Town Hall Auditorium. On 7 March, the Cultural Centre will host Silvia Pérez’s monologue addressing menopause and sexuality, while the Municipal Professional Music Conservatory will present a Homage to the Woman Composer concert on 11 March.
Workshops, Meetings and Conferences
On 6 March, a self-care workshop led by psychologist Jessica Sanchís will take place at the Jelena Community Centre, followed by the official commemorative photo in Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España.
That same afternoon, the 25th Trobada de Dones de la Marina Baixa (Women’s Meeting of the Marina Baixa region) will be held in Callosa d’en Sarrià, with transport provided from Benidorm.
Further events include the annual luncheon organised by the Anémona Association, lectures on The Women of the Bible and Women of Benidorm in the 20th Century, and a new exhibition, Iberian Ladies, at the Boca del Calvari Museum. The exhibition opens on 6 March and will remain on display until mid-May.
The City Council said the programme reflects its continued commitment to equality, cultural engagement and the recognition of women’s contributions across history and contemporary life.
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
The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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