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The members of the club fill the centre of Benidorm with colour in a massive and colourful 'Entrance'

More than 5,000 revelers take part in the first parade of the festivities, which anticipates the official start of the Festes Majors

The central streets of Benidorm were filled last night with colour, enthusiasm and many costumes to celebrate one of the most eagerly awaited nights of the city's festive calendar: "Viernes de Fiestas", the unofficial start of the festivities in honour of the Mare de Déu del Sofratge and Sant Jaume. A start that officially begins today, Saturday.

More than 5,000 members of the 239 members took part, once again this year, in a multitudinous 'Entrada de Penyes', which went through the streets of Ruzafa and Martínez Alejos until reaching the official tribune with the queens, ladies and authorities and which was followed by thousands of residents and visitors throughout its route.

There, one by one, the clubs that make up the Associació de Penyes Verge del Sofratge this year made their entrance to receive on their banners the commemorative bow ties of the Festes Majors Patronals of 2024, which were placed on them by the president of the club members, Jaume Cortés, as well as the queens of the Festivities, Valentina Almodóbar and Laia Zamora, together with their ladies-in-waiting. Members of the corporation welcomed the club members to wish them much happiness these days.

The parade, organised by the Association, arrived at the Martínez Alejos grandstand at 10pm and barely fifteen minutes later, continuing until almost dawn, when many clubs literally took over their festive premises on a night full of enthusiasm and fun.

After this first appetizer, the Festes Majors Patronals officially begin this Saturday and will last until next Wednesday, the 13th, with numerous religious, traditional, festive and humorous events, where music and gunpowder will be the protagonists along with the queens and their courts of honor and the patrons of Benidorm, to whom these great days are dedicated.

🌴 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 members of the club fill the centre of Benidorm with colour in a massive and colourful 'Entrance'

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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