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Benidorm commemorates the arrival of its patron saint with the Reenactment of the Discovery

One of the most emblematic moments of its Patronal Major Festivities – an event declared of Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community

November 9, 2025 / Benidorm

 

Over the weekend, thousands of people once again filled Poniente Beach to witness one of the most anticipated and emotional moments of Benidorm’s Festes Majors Patronals: the Reenactment of the Discovery of the Virgin of the Suffrage. As every year, the La Barqueta Cultural and Recreational Association brought history to life, recreating the miraculous event of 1740, when the image of the patron saint appeared at sea aboard an unmanned boat.

 

This event—declared a Festival of Tourist Interest of the Valencian Community and currently applying for recognition at the national level—once again captivated the crowds, who relived the story of how their beloved patron saint first came to Benidorm’s shores.

 

The reenactment was attended by Mayor Toni Pérez, the Councillor for Festivals, Mariló Cebreros, and other members of the municipal council. Also present were the Regional Minister for Innovation, Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Marian Cano, and regional deputies José Ramón González de Zárate, Manuel Pérez Fenoll, Mario Villar, and José Muñoz.

 

In the official stand sat the Festival Queens, Paula Pascual and Aitana Pérez, along with the presidents of the Festival Commission and the Association of Clubs, Susana Martínez and Jonathan López; the perpetual president of the Commission and of the ARC La Barqueta, Francisco Llorens; and a broad representation of Benidorm’s civil society.

 

Following the reenactment, the image of the Virgin Mary was carried in procession from Elche Park to the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, accompanied by hundreds of festival participants, club members, and devotees—including Angélica Such, Director General of Family, Childhood,

 

Adolescence, and Demographic Challenge. The streets along the route were filled with flowers, songs, and emotion. Applause, tears, and cheers for the patron saint marked one of the most moving nights of the city’s festive calendar.

 

After the offering, Sant Jaume Square was stirred by the verses of the Children’s Queen, Aitana Pérez, written by Vicenta Pérez ‘Cuqui’, and by the heartfelt words of the Senior Queen, Paula Pascual, who expressed her gratitude for the support received throughout the year from her ladies, stewards, and especially her family.

 

This year’s official opening address was delivered by Francisco Saval, who described the moment as “a dream come true” as both a festival participant and member of a penya (social club). The former president of the Associació de Penyes recalled how “through the tenacity and capacity for sacrifice of the people of Benidorm,” the city overcame “the disastrous summer of ’78, when we were left without a drop of water.” He highlighted Benidorm as “the clearest example of generosity and altruism” in times of adversity, citing solidarity shown after the Morocco earthquake, the COVID-19 crisis, and last year’s DANA storm in l’Horta Sud.

 

Saval described Benidorm as “a model of coexistence and a land of opportunity.” “There is no town in the world like this one,” he affirmed, all “under the watchful and protective gaze” of its patron saint. He also announced that on December 9th, Benidorm will commemorate the canonical proclamation of Our Lady of Suffrage by Pope Pius XI, and prayed that she “be a beacon and guide for our politicians.”

 

Mayor Toni Pérez, after presenting Saval with the City’s Gold Insignia, praised his “extraordinary” address and referred to him as a “public servant,” recognizing his instrumental role in the creation of the Associació de Penyes and his service as its first president. Without his efforts, Pérez noted, the more than 4,000 penyistes who bring life to the festivities “might not exist today.” The mayor also extended a warm welcome to “those joining us for the first time” and to “everyone who is always here to celebrate and enjoy these special days.”

 

A spectacular fireworks display and the performance of the anthems of Benidorm and the Valencian Community brought to a close a festive weekend that once again united tradition, emotion, and devotion in honor of the Mare de Déu del Sofratge.