


Benidorm / 23 February 2026
Thousands of people took to the streets of Benidorm on Saturday night as the city hosted its colourful and highly participatory adult Carnival parade, organised by the Penyes Association.
Warm February temperatures provided the perfect backdrop for a vibrant evening that saw participants showcase elaborate, imaginative and handcrafted costumes through the heart of the city.
The parade began shortly after 9.30pm on Calle Venus, making its way through the centre to Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where local dignitaries watched from the official stand. Among those in attendance were Mayor Toni Pérez, Councillor for Festivals Mariló Cebreros, members of the local government team and regional deputy José Ramón González de Zárate. They were joined by the 2026 Patron Saint Festival Queens, Laura Ivars and Carmen Guillem, their courts of honour, and representatives of the FMP Commission and the Verge del Sofratge Association of Clubs.
The parade was led by the Patron Saint Festival Queen and her ladies-in-waiting, followed by members of the organising committee. Individual competitors came next, with groups of friends and local clubs completing the procession. Nearly 70 entries took part, impressing crowds with originality, craftsmanship and theatrical flair.
Fantasy characters, mythological figures, historical costumes, animals, cinematic tributes, natural elements and inventive recycled creations transformed the city centre into a spectacle of colour and celebration.
Festivities continued into the early hours with a party organised by the Associació de Penyes.
Award Winners
The prize ceremony took place after 1.30am.
Individual Category
🥇 1st Prize – Recycling Refreshment
🥈 2nd Prize – Ares is God of War
🥉 3rd Prize – Pink Queen of Samba
Group Category
🥇 1st Prize – Playing Indian
🥈 2nd Prize – The Mystery of Carnival
🥉 3rd Prize – Carnivorous Forest
Awards were presented by the Mayor, the Councillor for Festivals, the Patron Saint Festival Queens and representatives of the city’s festive associations.
Benidorm once again demonstrated its reputation as one of Spain’s most energetic and community-driven Carnival destinations, with strong participation and a festive atmosphere that lasted well into the night.
BENIDORM: Major Music Festival Returns for 2026
The city of Benidorm is preparing for another busy summer season with the return of the Indiverso Festival, scheduled for 18 July 2026 at the SkyFest venue. Organisers say the event will feature leading indie artists and DJs and is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the resort.
Local officials say the festival forms part of a broader cultural programme aimed at strengthening Benidorm’s reputation as one of Spain’s leading entertainment destinations.
Meanwhile, the city continues to promote its Poniente district redevelopment, with luxury residential towers and smart-city infrastructure positioning the area as a premium investment location on the Costa Blanca.
LA NUCÍA: International Rally Event Returns
Motorsport fans will soon be heading to La Nucía as the Rallye La Nucía Mediterráneo prepares to return to the region. The rally is considered one of the most exciting sporting events on the Costa Blanca calendar and attracts drivers and spectators from across Europe.
Local authorities expect the event to provide a significant boost to tourism and hospitality businesses across the Marina Baixa region.
ALTEA: Cultural Events Continue to Draw Visitors
The coastal town of Altea continues to maintain its reputation as one of the Costa Blanca’s cultural hubs, hosting exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. Recent cultural programmes include art exhibitions and music performances at local cultural centres designed to promote local artists and international talent.
The town’s historic old quarter and arts scene remain key attractions for both tourists and residents.
ALFAZ DEL PI: Infrastructure Updates and Community Notices
Residents in L'Alfàs del Pi have been notified of scheduled maintenance works affecting electricity supplies in some neighbourhoods this week as part of routine infrastructure upgrades.
Local authorities say the work is necessary to improve reliability across the area’s expanding residential zones.
FINESTRAT: Continued Growth in Property Demand
The municipality of Finestrat continues to see strong interest from international property buyers, particularly those seeking homes close to Benidorm’s beaches while living in a quieter setting.
Analysts say the wider Costa Blanca property market remains attractive to foreign buyers, though the market has become more selective and data-driven as investors look for long-term value.
Local planners say residential development in the area continues to expand alongside tourism and commercial infrastructure.
REGIONAL: Festivals and Spring Celebrations Begin
Across the wider Costa Blanca North, towns are preparing for traditional spring celebrations including Fallas festivals, which bring fireworks, music, and cultural parades to communities throughout the region.
These events mark the start of the region’s busy tourism season, with visitors expected to arrive in large numbers over the coming months.
That’s your Costa Blanca update — all the news you need to stay informed this week. Stay tuned for regular updates!



-ts1694419966.png?ts=1773224240)
