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The Generalitat declares 30 festivals of tourist interest in the Valencian Community in 2024

The Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism has granted 7 distinctions of regional tourist interest, 6 of provincial interest and 17 of local interest
Marián Cano highlights that the festivals “have great potential to attract visitors during all months of the year”

The Generalitat, through the Ministry of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, grants the declaration of festival of tourist interest of the Valencian Community to competitions, festivals or events held in the territory of Castellón, Valencia and Alicante, with the aim of enhancing the promotion of the festivals as a tourist attraction.

Therefore, during the year 2024 a total of 30 festivals of tourist interest have been declared in the three provinces. Of these distinctions, 7 have been of regional tourist interest, 6 distinctions of provincial tourist interest and 17 of local tourist interest.

This is a distinction that is granted to festivals, provided that they offer special relevance from a tourist point of view and represent an appreciation of Valencian culture and popular traditions. In these cases, the municipalities where they are celebrated can access the declaration of festival of tourist interest of the Valencian Community.

Obtaining this honorary distinction contributes to the promotion of the festivals celebrated in the Valencian Community and is essential for obtaining the declaration of a festival of national interest.

The Minister of Innovation, Industry, Commerce and Tourism, Marián Cano, highlighted that "the festivals of the Valencian Community allow us to connect with traditions and, in addition, they have great potential to attract visitors during all months of the year."

In addition, he stressed that "they are an economic, social and cultural engine, as they bring uniqueness to our destination" and from the Generalitat "we will continue to support, promote and preserve these cultural manifestations".

By province, of these 30 declarations, 11 correspond to the province of Valencia, with a total of 4 declarations of provincial tourist interest and 7 local ones.

In the province of Castellón, a total of 11 festivals of tourist interest have also been declared, of which 4 have been of regional tourist interest, 1 has been provincial and 6 local.

And, in addition, a total of 8 festivals of tourist interest have been declared in the province of Alicante, of which 3 are of regional tourist interest, 1 of provincial interest and 4 local.

More information: Register of festivals declared of tourist interest in the CV .

🌴 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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The Generalitat declares 30 festivals of tourist interest in the Valencian Community in 2024

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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