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The first semi-final gala of the Benidorm Fest is once again a national and global trending topic

The Spotify and YouTube platforms already have more than nine million views of the first eight semi-finalists

The first semi-final of the Benidorm Fest held last night was once again an undeniable success in terms of its dissemination and impact in the media and on social networks. This is demonstrated by the data known today, according to which the share achieved by RTVE during the transmission of the event reached 10.8%. Furthermore, on the social network

The hashtags #benidormfestsemi1, #benidormfest2024 and #benidormfest reached first place among national and international trends and this first gala was followed in 29 countries. In fact, 122,378 mentions were recorded between 10:00 p.m. and 12:00 a.m. and 150,991 during the broadcast time of the semi-final gala.

A potential reach that, according to the social network, is 515 million people. Spain, logically, was the country in which the event was followed the most, with 63.46% of the 'posts', ahead of Argentina (16.78%), Colombia (5.44%) or the United States. United (1.70%). By age groups, the most active in the beginning and as also happens with Eurovision.” Also noteworthy is the fact that the event's social followers were 60.1% men and 39.9% women.

Regarding the television impact, the first Benidorm Fest gala on RTVE garnered a 'share' of 10.8%, which meant 0.8 points more than in 2023. The average number of viewers stood at 1,005,000, which represents a slight decrease of 3.7%.

However, the public channel has indicated that more than 3.3 million viewers followed the musical event at some point during its broadcast, a figure also higher than last year by 3.3%.

Other data that explains the good reception of the Benidorm Fest is the number of views on the Spotify and YouTube platforms. Between them, they total more than nine million from the eight artists who participated in the first gala yesterday. Spotify reported 6,145,742 plays this morning.

Nebulossa obtains the best figure with 1.6 million, followed by Mantra (1.1 million) and Lérica (773,000). On YouTube, with 2,951,000 views, first place also goes to the song 'Zorra' by Nebulossa, with 1.4 million. Further behind are Sofía Coll (534,000) and Mantra (350,000). By the way, the performances from yesterday's gala have already been reproduced more than 189,000 times on this platform.

On the other hand, RTVE has released the telephone voting data for this first semi-final. María Eizaguirre has detailed that 12,275 votes were received between SMS and calls, of which the Mantra group – which obtained first position in this vote – achieved 7,020, which represents 57.18% of the total.

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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

Benidorm: busiest hub with nightlife, markets and entertainment growth
Altea: cultural, scenic and relaxed
Albir / L’Alfàs del Pi: balanced social and live music scene
La Nucía: sports-led and residential
Finestrat: beach-focused and seasonal lifestyle
Villajoyosa: coastal heritage, relaxed tourism and local culture

The Costa Blanca continues its gradual transition into peak tourist season, with activity levels rising steadily across all major towns.

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The first semi-final gala of the Benidorm Fest is once again a national and global trending topic

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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