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Benidorm marks 701 years since its founding with renewed Carta de Poblament performance

Benidorm / 10 May 2026

Benidorm has commemorated the 701st anniversary of its historic Carta de Poblament with a renewed theatrical reenactment celebrating the city’s origins, alongside new historical revelations surrounding its founder, Bernat de Sarrià.

Held in the iconic Plaza de Sant Jaume — the site of Benidorm’s first urban settlement — the annual event attracted large crowds and civic representatives in what organisers described as one of the city’s most emotional and ambitious editions to date.

The Carta de Poblament, granted on 8 May 1325 by Bernat de Sarrià, formally established Benidorm as a municipality within the Kingdom of Valencia and remains one of the most significant moments in the city’s history.

This year’s performance introduced major artistic changes, including a completely new script written by María Jesús Oveja Álvarez, replacing the long-standing traditional text by Pasqual Almiñana. The production was also redesigned with a more theatrical and cinematic approach under the direction of Ricardo Molina and the Grup Carta de Poblament.

Organisers aimed to modernise the historical reenactment while maintaining its cultural authenticity, creating a more accessible and emotional experience for contemporary audiences.

The event was attended by Mayor Toni Pérez, representatives of the Associació de Penyes Verge del Sofratge, members of the municipal corporation, local festival authorities, historians, and residents.

New historical discoveries revealed

One of the most significant moments of the evening came during an address by medieval historian José Vicente Cabezuelo, who shared newly documented historical information about Bernat de Sarrià and the early years of Benidorm.

Cabezuelo revealed evidence confirming that Bernat de Sarrià was physically present in Benidorm in July 1326, writing directly from the town’s castle to the monarch of the Crown of Aragon. Historians believe this castle represented the first defensive structure created to protect the emerging settlement.

The historian also detailed how Bernat de Sarrià actively requested royal support to encourage population growth and strengthen the municipality’s strategic role along the Mediterranean coast.

Another notable revelation clarified the exact date of Bernat de Sarrià’s death as 28 December 1335, correcting previous historical assumptions.

Tribute to cultural heritage and local memory

The evening also included emotional tributes to former members of the Grup Carta de Poblament and figures closely linked to preserving Benidorm’s historical identity over recent decades.

Mayor Toni Pérez praised the organisation’s more than 30 years of work in keeping the city’s founding story alive, stating that the origins established in 1325 remain central to Benidorm’s identity today.

The commemorative event forms part of Benidorm’s wider programme of cultural celebrations highlighting the city’s heritage beyond its international tourism profile, reinforcing growing interest in historical and cultural tourism within the Costa Blanca region.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

Overview

This week across Benidorm, Altea, Albir, Finestrat, and La Nucía is mainly:

Weekly markets and street trading

Live music in bars and small venues

Early spring coastal tourism activity (boat trips, promenades)

Small cultural events and exhibitions

Gradual build-up toward May festivals in Benidorm

BENIDORM – Events and Activity

Markets and street life

Wednesday and Sunday main street markets (large general markets for clothing, food, and goods)
Old Town craft stalls operating in the evenings
Night markets becoming more active as tourist season builds

Cultural activity

Early preparations and signage for the Medieval Market coming soon in central Benidorm
Small pop-up performances in Old Town squares (musicians, street entertainment)

Nightlife and entertainment

Live music every night across the main strips (cover bands, tribute acts, karaoke)
DJ sets and bar entertainment increasing toward peak season
Rooftop bars and terrace venues reopening more consistently

Overall feel

Benidorm is in an active pre-summer phase with strong nightlife and steady tourist flow.

ALTEA – Cultural and coastal atmosphere

Old Town and culture
Art galleries and artisan shops open daily
Small exhibitions and cultural displays in local venues

Live music

Acoustic and low-key live music in bars around Old Town and seafront areas
Occasional weekend performances in Irish and cocktail bars

Sea activities

Boat trips operating from Altea harbour including:
Coastal cruises
Sunset sailing trips
Swimming stops depending on weather conditions

Overall feel

Quiet, scenic, and cultural with a strong focus on relaxation rather than nightlife.

ALBIR / ALFÀS DEL PI – Mixed expat and local activity

Markets

Friday weekly street market with food, clothing, and household goods
Nearby Sunday markets in Altea also attract visitors from the area

Live music

Regular pub and bar entertainment, especially in Irish and rock-themed venues
Weekly live bands and acoustic performances across multiple venues

Cultural venues

Casa de Cultura hosting small theatre events, exhibitions, and community activities
Regular local group meetings and social clubs

Overall feel

Balanced area with both relaxed daytime atmosphere and active evenings.

LA NUCÍA – Local and sporting focus

Markets

Sunday rastro (large flea market with antiques, tools, clothes, and food stalls)
Entertainment
Occasional live music in local bars, mostly weekends

Sports activity

Large sports complex hosting training camps, tournaments, and weekend events

Overall feel

Quiet residential town with activity concentrated around weekends and sports events.

FINESTRAT – Beach and market lifestyle

Markets

Tuesday and Saturday markets in La Cala area with a mix of local produce and goods

Beachfront activity

Beach bars and restaurants increasingly open in the evenings
Sunset dining season beginning again

Entertainment

Low-key live music in beachfront bars rather than organised events

Overall feel

Relaxed coastal town focused on beach life and casual evenings.

OVERALL SUMMARY

Benidorm: busiest area with nightlife, markets, and entertainment

Altea: cultural, scenic, and relaxed

Albir / Alfàs del Pi: balanced mix of live music and expat social life

La Nucía: local, quiet, and sports-focused

Finestrat: beach-oriented and low-key

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Benidorm marks 701 years since its founding with renewed Carta de Poblament performance

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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