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Thousands of Britons Fill Benidorm’s Streets in Colour and Costume for the 31st Annual ‘Fancy Dress Party’

13 November 2025 / Benidorm

The streets of Benidorm’s Rincón de Loix were transformed today into a sea of colour, music, and creativity as more than 30,000 people, the vast majority of them British visitors, took part in the city’s famous ‘Fancy Dress Party’ — now in its 31st year.

The celebration, held annually the day after the Festes Majors Patronals, has grown from a small gathering among friends into one of Europe’s largest fancy dress street parties, attracting visitors from across Spain and the United Kingdom. Organised by local hotels and entertainment venues in collaboration with Abreca-Cobreca and the Benidorm City Council, the event featured around fifteen floats, dance groups, percussion ensembles, and live entertainment throughout the day.

Among those attending were Mayor Toni Pérez, Councillor for Citizen Security and Events Jesús Carrobles, and other members of the Benidorm City Council; along with Hosbec President Fede Fuster and Secretary General Nuria Montes, Visit Benidorm Manager Leire Bilbao, and senior representatives of the National and Local Police, Luis Manuel Sánchez and José Carlos Amorós.

Mayor Pérez highlighted the remarkable evolution of the event since its creation by local businessman Manuel Nieto, noting:

“Since then, it has only grown, becoming possibly the biggest costume party in Europe — an event that began informally as a gathering of friends and now brings together more than 30,000 people who come to Benidorm to enjoy themselves and celebrate life.”

To ensure safety, vehicle access controls were introduced across the Rincón de Loix area, supported by thirty additional police officers alongside regular patrols, as well as coordinated operations by health services, Civil Protection, and the Fire Department. Roads were temporarily closed as crowds increased, allowing for the smooth flow of the float parade along Gerona Street.

Councillor Carrobles noted that more than fifty leisure and hospitality establishments took part, either by contributing to the parade or hosting themed events across the district. Businesses from other parts of the city also joined in the festivities.

Organisers confirmed that while the main day of celebration took place today, additional events and smaller gatherings will continue into Friday and Saturday, extending the festive atmosphere and offering visitors even more opportunities to enjoy Benidorm’s world-famous Fancy Dress Party.

🌴 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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Thousands of Britons Fill Benidorm’s Streets in Colour and Costume for the 31st Annual ‘Fancy Dress Party’

🌴 What’s On This Week – Costa Blanca

(Benidorm & surrounding areas)

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