Local & Spanish

Local & Spanish

Benidorm / 3 January 2026
Benidorm is putting the final touches in place for the arrival of the Three Kings, with a spectacular parade scheduled for the evening of 5 January, involving around 1,000 participants. The parade will depart from Elche Park and conclude at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium, although an alternative route is being prepared should adverse weather conditions arise.
Mayor Toni Pérez, accompanied by Councillor for Festivals Mariló Cebreros, today outlined the key details of what is expected to be one of the city’s most popular and well-attended festive events. Described as both “spectacular and massive”, the parade will once again combine tradition with modern elements to delight families and visitors alike.
Emissaries of the Three Kings Announced
Their Majesties have already selected their official emissaries, whose role will be to assist in organising the parade and coordinating the distribution of gifts.
Mayor Pérez highlighted that all three emissaries bring extensive experience in managing teams and large-scale projects, which will be essential in overseeing both the parade and the organisation of toy and gift distribution.
Star of Christmas and Parade Structure
As is traditional, the Three Kings will follow the path marked by the Star of Christmas, which this year will be embodied by Professor Mª José Lozano Pérez, recipient of the 2025 Ciutat de Benidorm Cultural Distinction. She will lead the parade and guide Their Majesties into the city.
The parade itself will be divided into two distinct sections. The first will be a playful and colourful segment featuring characters from popular children’s films and television series. The second will take a more traditional approach, recreating The Story of the Three Wise Men of the East,
accompanied by the symphonic suite The Three Wise Men, composed by Benidorm musician Francisco José Rovira Peretó.
The musical work is structured into six movements, reflecting the narrative: The Star and the Birth, Herod, The Shepherds, The Arab Souk, The Royal Entourage and The Three Wise Men. The suite will be performed live by four local musical groups: Unión Musical, Societat Musical l’Illa, Societat Musical La Nova, and Bandeta Tropical, alongside the Colla de Xirimiters de la Marina, five dance companies and a dozen floats.
Route and Contingency Planning
The parade is scheduled to begin at 6.00pm, leaving Elche Park and proceeding along Avenida de los Almendros, Marte, Venus, Ruzafa and Herrerías streets, passing through Plaza de SSMM Reyes de España and Parque de l’Aigüera, before finishing at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium. There, a multimedia show and fireworks display will take place, followed by the traditional distribution of gifts to children.
Given the possibility of rain, the City Council has confirmed that an alternative route is being prepared and will be communicated via official channels if required. Mayor Pérez reassured residents and visitors alike, stating that “Benidorm will ensure that the Three Kings Parade, whatever the weather, is as brilliant and magical as it has been in recent years,” adding that Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar have personally confirmed their arrival on the afternoon of 5 January.
Through their emissaries, Their Majesties have also expressed their excitement at visiting Benidorm and spreading joy, with the promise that “no child will be left without a gift”.
Royal Postman Arrives in Benidorm
Ahead of the Three Kings’ arrival, the Royal Postman will visit the city to collect children’s letters. He will be in Plaza de la Navidad today, Friday 2 January, from 6.00pm, and will return over the weekend: on Saturday from 5.00pm and Sunday from 6.00pm.
The Costa Blanca enters another exciting week of the summer season, with beaches packed, festivals in full swing and a busy calendar of sporting, cultural and family events across Benidorm, Altea, Villajoyosa, Finestrat, La Nucía and L'Alfàs del Pi.
With schools now on holiday across much of Europe, visitor numbers continue to rise as the region enjoys one of its busiest periods of the year.
☀️ Benidorm
Beaches & Summer Activities
Benidorm's award-winning Levante, Poniente and Mal Pas beaches continue operating at full summer capacity with lifeguards, beach services and water sports available daily.
Popular activities include:
New Seafront Attraction
Visitors are flocking to Benidorm's giant new "BENIDORM" letters on the Tamarindos Promenade, created from 170kg of recycled fishing nets recovered from the Mediterranean, making them one of the city's newest photo hotspots.
International Mermaids & Mermen Convention
Aqua Natura Benidorm is hosting Europe's largest International Mermaids & Mermen Convention, attracting performers, instructors and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.
Visitors can enjoy:
The famous Benidorm Cable Ski marks its 60th anniversary with commemorative events celebrating one of Europe's oldest cable ski facilities.
Celebrations include:
🌿 Albir & L'Alfàs del Pi
Nature & Coastal Walks
The award-winning Albir Lighthouse Trail, recognised as Spain's Best Blue Trail, continues attracting walkers with spectacular views over the Serra Gelada Natural Park.
Things To Do:
🍫 Villajoyosa
Colourful Coastal Heritage
La Vila Joiosa remains one of the Costa Blanca's most picturesque destinations.
Popular attractions include:
🏟️ La Nucía
Medieval Market Returns
One of the highlights of the week is the 20th Medieval Market, running from 10–12 July, filling La Nucía's Old Town with:
La Nucía is also marking its 321st anniversary with cultural exhibitions, historical archive displays and an innovative Artificial Intelligence project helping preserve the town's historic documents.
Sport & Family Activities
Camilo Cano Sports City continues hosting:
🌅 Finestrat
Outdoor Adventures
Summer conditions make Finestrat ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
Popular activities:
🎭 Altea
Arts & Culture
Altea continues its vibrant summer programme featuring:
The town's enhanced summer policing operation continues, with extra patrols across beaches, the Old Town, promenade and shopping areas helping keep residents and visitors safe throughout the busy holiday season.
Coastal Experiences
📅 Coming Up
🌴 Quick Summary
🌤️ Weather Outlook
Expect another week of hot, settled Mediterranean weather.
🌡️ Daytime: 31°C–35°C
🌙 Evenings: 24°C–27°C
Perfect conditions for beaches, sightseeing, outdoor dining and evening entertainment. Visitors are advised to stay hydrated, use high-factor sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the afternoon.

Local & Spanish


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