‹ Back

 

Hundreds of Locals and Tourists Gather in Benidorm to Mark Palm Sunday and Holy Week Processions

 

Benidorm / 30 March 2026

 

Hundreds of residents and visitors gathered across Benidorm on Sunday to mark the start of Holy Week, with Palm Sunday celebrations and evening processions bringing together faith, tradition and community spirit.

 

Palm Sunday began with the traditional blessing of palms held across the city’s parishes, including services at Sant Jaume i Santa Anna Church, Church of Buen Pastor and Nuestra Señora del Mar Church. The largest gathering took place in the old town, where worshippers assembled before taking part in a procession through the historic centre.

 

Accompanied by traditional music, including local xirimiters, the procession featured children carrying palm leaves and a symbolic donkey representing the biblical entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The event was organised by local brotherhoods and marked the official start of Semana Santa, one of Spain’s most significant religious observances.

 

Local dignitaries, including Benidorm’s mayor Toni Pérez, attended the morning events alongside regional representatives, reflecting the importance of the celebrations within the community.

Later on Sunday evening, attention turned to the Church of Buen Pastor, where the procession of the Royal Brotherhood of Our Lady of Hope and Peace and Our Father Jesus of Health and Humility drew large crowds of locals and tourists.

 

The procession, which departed shortly after 8pm, followed a route through key streets of the city before returning to the church. It was accompanied by live musical performances from local bands and featured traditional elements such as the singing of saetas.

 

The Bishop of the Orihuela-Alicante diocese, José Ignacio Munilla, took part in the event, underscoring its religious significance. A notable moment came as the procession passed the National Police station, where honours were paid, reflecting the force’s honorary role within the brotherhood.

 

 

The twin events highlight the enduring cultural and religious importance of Holy Week in Benidorm, which each year attracts both residents and international visitors. With further processions and ceremonies scheduled throughout the week, the city is expected to see continued high levels of participation as Easter approaches.