Every November, Benidorm celebrate’s its Fiestas Mayores Patronales in honour of the Virgen del Sufragio and San Jaime. The fiestas begin on the weekend of November’s second Sunday and end the following Wednesday; five entire days of celebrations, including a reenactment of the discovery of the Virgen, the flower offering at the church, the comedy parade, the float parade and ending with a massive firework display.

The fiesta dates back to the year 1740 when a boat appeared on the shore of Benidorm, dragged in by a violent storm. The boat was burnt to prevent a disease outbreak, but some local boys found the image of the Virgen del Sufragio, which they took to the church and built a chapel.

The November fiestas attract visitors from all over Spain and Europe, and Benidorm’s hotels and apartments fill up with people heading here to join in the fantastic, fun and colourful celebrations.

2023 Dates: 11th to 15th November
2024 Dates: 9th to 13th November
2025 Dates: 8th to 12th November

PATRON SAINTS´ FESTIVITIES PROGRAMME 2023

FRIDAY 10TH NOVEMBER

18:00 h. – LIGHTING OF THE ARTISTIC ILLUMINATION, by our Queens, Angélica

Morenilla Such and Daniela Talavera Ventura and their Courts of Honour at Martínez

Alejos avenue.

Afterwards Opening of the “PORRAT” (street market) at Emilio Ortuño avenue.

19:00 h. - INAUGURATION OF THE FAIRGROUND, near the Bullring, by our Queens and

their Courts of Honour.

FOOTNOTE: Children´s day, reduced fares for the different rides.

19:00 h. - EMBELLISHMENT CONTEST OF STREETS AND “PEÑAS”, sponsored by the

Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities 2023 and the “Peñas” Association. The jury

will visit the participating quarters, streets and “peñas” to evaluate them and choose

the best ones. The winners will be known Saturday at midnight, during the concert

intermission.

22:00 h. - “PEÑAS” INFORMAL PARADE. All the members of the “Associaciò de Penyes

Verge del Sofratge” will participate in this informal parade. Meeting of the “Peñas” at

Ruzafa street. Parade around the streets Ruzafa and Martínez Alejos.

Once the parade ends, at the official tribune, the “Peñas” Association will confer a tie to all

the flags and standards.

SATURDAY 11TH NOVEMBER

10:00 h. - MASS, at the Church of San Jaime, in honour to our Patron Saint the Virgin

of the Suffrage, officiated by the parish priest Mr. Juan Antonio González Magaña and

the vicar Mr. Carlos Daniel Mejías, sung by the Cultural Association “La Barqueta” and

the Church Choir, with the attendance of our Queens and their Courts of Honor, the

Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities, the Flag Bearer, the “Mayorales” of Honour,

the Authorities, the “Peñas” Association and all the neighbours who wish to attend.

11:45 h. - OPENING OF THE DOORS AT SAINT JAMES AND SAINT ANNE´S CHURCH (Old

Town), to sing the Couplets in honour to the Virgin of the Suffrage.

12:00 h. - ANGELUS AND GENERAL BELL RINGING to announce the official start of

the Patron Saints´ Festivities 2023 and also Air Bombing (firecrackers), from Plaza de la

Señoría, by the pyrotechnics company del MEDITERRÁNEO.

THE MAJOR FIESTAS 2023 HAVE BEGUN!

12:05 h. - BRASS BANDS PARADE, starting from Plaza de San Jaime and going down

the main streets in the town centre with the attendance of our Queens and their Courts

of Honor, the Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities, the Flag Bearer, the “Mayorales”

of Honour, the Authorities, the “Peñas” Association and the locals.

13:00 h. - GATHERING OF BRASS BANDS, at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España,

where each band will arrive playing different paso dobles to welcome the Festivities.

The Queens, Angélica Morenilla Such and Daniela Talavera Ventura, will confer a tie to

the standards of the various entities. Once the bands are all gathered at the square, they

will perform together the Paso Doble “FIESTA IN BENIDORM” declared as Anthem of the

Patron Saints´ Festival, directed by Mr. Rafael Domenech Pardo, songwriter of this piece.

17:00 h. - At Poniente Beach, THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE OF THE FINDING OF

THE VIRGIN, FESTIVITY OF THE VALENCIAN COMMUNITY DECLARED OF TOURIST

INTEREST,Afterwards, SALVOES OF HONOR AND A MAGNIFICENT AIR BOMBING, by the

pyrotechnics company Mediterráneo, announcing the Finding of the statue of our patron

saint, the Virgin of the Suffrage.

18:30 h. - SOLEMN PROCESSION, with the participation of the Authorities, our Queens

and their Courts of Honor, the Flag Bearer, the Herald, the “Mayorales” of Honour, the

“Mayorales” and “Mayoralas”, the ACR “La Barqueta”, the “Peñas”, all the Festivities,

Cultural, Social and Religious Entities, the Traditional Festivities, Regional Associations

and Benidorm´s People, with the following itinerary: Parque de Elche (Harbour) through

the following streets: Paseo de la Carretera, Alameda del Alcalde D. Pedro Zaragoza Orts,

Mayor street and Plaza de San Jaime.

When the procession gets to the church, there will be a FLOWER OFFERING to the Virgin

of the Suffrage, Patron Saint and Perpetual Mayoress of Benidorm.

23:00 h. - ORCHESTRA CONECTA2 at Huerto de Colón (Tomás Ortuño street)

23:30 h. - GREAT TRIBUTE TO MECANO, at plaza de SS.MM. los Reyes de España.

00:15 h. - MUSIC BAND AROUND THE CITY leaving from Plaza de SS. MM. Los Reyes de

España to wander through the city centre and visit the “peñas”, with the Committee of the

Patron Saints´ Festivities.

01:00 h. – Broom Football tournament at Auditorium Oscar Esplà organised by the Peña

“I DEMÀ QUÉ” and sponsored by the “ASSOCIACIÓ DE PENYES VERGE DEL SOFRATGE”.

The winners will be responsible of organising the broom football tournament 2024.

Remember that it is forbidden to get into any of the concerts or events with glass

containers.

SUNDAY 12TH NOVEMBER: VIRGIN OF THE SUFFRAGE´S DAY

8:00 h. - “Despertà” (awakening with firecrackers) in honour to the VIRGIN OF THE

SUFFRAGE.

9:00 h. - Chocolate for everyone, in the Committee´s marquee located at Plaza de

1. MM. Reyes de España (Town Hall), thanks to the Committee of the Patron Saints´

Festivities.

10:30 h. - Picking up of the Queens and their Courts of Honour, by the “Mayorales” of the

Committee, and music bands, to go parading to the “Casa del Fester” (La Biga street).

Once there, parade with Benidorm´s Authorities towards the Church of Saint James and

Saint Anne.

11:00h. – Huge Playpark for the Children at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España.

11:30 h. - Solemn Mass in honour of our Patron Saint, the Virgin of the Suffrage

and Perpetual Mayoress of Benidorm, at the Church of Saint James and Saint Anne,

officiated by Mr. Miguel Ángel Cerezo Saura, priest of de Church of Saint Vincent Ferrer

in San Vicente del Raspeig, with the attendance of our Queens and their Courts of Honor,

the Committee of the Patron Saints Festivities, the Flag Bearer, the “Mayorales” of Honour,

the Authorities, the “Peñas” Association and locals. The ceremony wil be sung by the

“Camerata Ars Cántica de Benidorm” and directed by its Conductor.

14:00 h. – Marvellous Pyro-Digital “Mascleta” (super big banger) in honour of our

Patron Saint, the Virgin of the Suffrage, at avenue Jaime I (Poniente Beach), done by

the pyrotechnics company del MEDITERRÁNEO. The “Destilería Tenis” will do a tasting of

“Anís Tenis”, until they run out of stock.

17:00 h. – CHILDREN´S THEATRE “Mundo mágico” at Huerto de Colón (Tomás Ortuño

street). Afterwards, there will be an afternoon snack for all the kids, thanks to Mc Donald’s

19:30 h. - SOLEMN PROCESSION in honour to the Virgin of the Suffrage with the

attendance of the Civil and Eclesiastical Authorities, our Queens and their Courts of Honor,

the Flag Bearer, the “Mayorales” of Honour, the “Mayorales” and “Mayoralas”, the “Peñas”

Association and Benidorm´s People.

Itinerary: Mayor street, Alameda de D. Pedro Zaragoza, Los Ángeles, Metge Pérez

Martorell, Martínez Alejos, Paseo de la Carretera, Santa Faz, Mal Pas and Plaza de San

Jaime.

Afterwards, lightning of the traditional “Estampeta” to the Virgin of the Suffrage, at Plaza

de San Jaime.

23:00 h. - The touching and traditional singing of the “COPLETES” to the Virgin of the

Suffrage, to the rhythm of the “xirimita i tabalet” (shawm and drum) will take place at

Plaza de San Jaime.

23:30 h. - ORCHESTRA MISSISIPI at Huerto de Colón (Tomás Ortuño street)

00:00 h. – GREAT CONCERT FROM THE “LOS MOJINOS ESCOZIOS” at plaza de SS.MM.

los Reyes de España.

00:30 h. - MUSIC BAND AROUND the city centre sponsored by the “peñas” association.

Afterwards, spectacular “CORREFOCS” (moving fire and sound show), by “Colla de

Dimonis Polopins”, leaving from Plaza de SS. MM. Los Reyes de España and through the

streets: Hondo, Ruzafa and Herrerías to end at Plaza de SS. MM. Los Reyes de España.

Remember that it is forbidden to get into any of the concerts or events with glass

containers.

PATRON SAINTS´ FESTIVITIES PROGRAMME 2023

MONDAY 13TH NOVEMBER: SAINT JAMES´ DAY

08:00 h. – “Despertà” (awakening with firecrackers)

9:00 h. - Chocolate for everyone, in the Committee´s marquee located at Plaza de

1. MM. Reyes de España (Town Hall), thanks to the Committee of the Patron Saints´

Festivities

10:30 h. - Picking up of the Queens and their Courts of Honour, by the “Mayorales” of the

Committee, and music bands, to go parading to the “Casa del Fester” (La Biga street).

Once there, parade with Benidorm´s Authorities towards the Church of Saint James and

Saint Anne.

11:00 h. - HUGE PLAYPARK FOR THE CHILDREN, at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España

11:30 h. - At the Church of Saint James and Saint Anne, SOLEMN MASS in honour to

Saint James, officiated by Mr. Miguel Ángel Schiller Villalba, priest of de Church of Saint

Joseph in Alfaz del Pi, with the attendance the Authorities, our Queens and their Courts

of Honor, the Flag Bearer, the Herald, the “Mayorales” of Honour, the “Mayorales” and

“Mayoralas”, all the Festivities and Cultural Entities, the Committee of the Patron Saints´

Festivities, the “Peñas” Association and Benidorm´s People, and sung by the parochial

choir accompanied with organ by their conductor Mr. Juan Antonio Espinosa.

14:00 h. - Marvellous Pyro-Digital “Mascleta” (super big banger) in honour of our

Patron Saint, Saint James, at avenue Jaime I (Poniente Beach), done by the pyrotechnics

company del MEDITERRÁNEO

16:30 h. - II TOURNAMENT OF “PILOTA VALENCIANA” (GAME OF PELOTA) “PENYA

GANDULS-FIESTAS MAYORES PATRONALES”, with Young local players. Organised by

the “Penya Ganduls” on the street Puríssima Concepció with the collaboration of the

Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities 2023 and the attendance of the Queens and

their Courts of Honour and some important players such as Genovés II, Pere Roc II and

Santi from Finestrat.

17:00 h. – Children´s wandering theatre at Huerto de Colón. Afterwards, there will be

chocolate for all the kids, thanks to “Chocolates Marcos Tonda”.

19:30 h. - SOLEMN PROCESSION in honour to Saint James with the attendance of the

Civil and Eclesiastical Authorities, our Queens and their Courts of Honor, the Flag Bearer,

the “Mayorales” of Honour, the “Mayorales” and “Mayoralas”, the “Peñas” Association and

Benidorm´s People.

Itinerary Mayor, Alameda D. Pedro Zaragoza, Paseo de la Carretera, Santa Faz and Plaza

San Jaime.

Afterwards, lightning of the traditional “Estampeta” to Saint James, at Plaza de San

Jaime.

Inside the temple, the parish priest Mr. Juan Antonio González, will reveal the names of

the members of the organizing committee (“Mayorales”) of the Fiestas 2024.

22:00 h. - CONCERT OF THE LOCAL BAND “LOCOS DE ATAR”, at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes

de España (Town Hall).

23:30 h. - SPECTACULAR NOCTURNAL MASCLETÀ at avenue Jaime I (Poniente Beach),

done by the pyrotechnics company del MEDITERRÁNEO

00:00 h. – ORCHESTRA SHAKARA at Huerto de Colón (Tomás Ortuño street)

00:00 h. – MUSIC BAND AROUND the city centre sponsored by the “peñas” association.

00:30 h. - CONCERT OF “BOMBAI” at Plaza de SS. MM. los Reyes de España,

TUESDAY 14TH NOVEMBER

08:00 h. – “Despertà” (awakening with firecrackers)

9:00 h. - Chocolate for everyone, in the Committee´s marquee located at Plaza de

1. MM. Reyes de España (Town Hall), thanks to the Committee of the Patron Saints´

Festivities

9:30 h. - Picking up of the Queens and their Courts of Honour, by the “Mayorales” of the

Committee, and music bands, to go parading to the Committee´s marquee (Plaza SS.MM

Los Reyes de España).

Once there, parade with Benidorm´s Authorities towards the Church of Saint James and

Saint Anne.

10:30 h. - SOLEMN REQUIEM MASS, at San Jaime Church, dedicated to all the

deceased of Benidorm officiated by the parish priest Mr. Juan Antonio González, with the

attendance of the Authorities, our Queens and their Courts of Honor and the Committee of

the Patron Saints´ Festivities, and sung by the Parochial Choir.

Afterwards, offering of a laurel garland to the Dead in the Sea, at Plaza de la Señoría.

Inmediately the attendants will visit both cemeteries, to leave flower garlands in memory

of all the deceased and a prayer will be said for all the Benidorm citizens who are not

among us anymore.

11:00 h. – HUGE PLAYPARK for the children, at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España.

14:00 h. - HUGE MASCLETÀ, at avenue Jaime I (Poniente Beach), done by the

pyrotechnics company MEDITERRÁNEO.

17:45 h. – MUSICAL THE REVOLUTION at Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España.

19:00 h. – FUNNY COSTUMES PARADE organised by the Associació de Penyes Verge del

Sofratge and sponsored by the Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities 2023.

Itinerary: Venus, Ruzafa and Martínez Alejos.

23:00 h. - BIG CONCERT “DJ’S KALENDA Y MISS DEEP IN” sponsored by the associació

de penyes verge del sofratge and main artist “HENRY MENDEZ“ sponsored by the

committee of the patron saints´ festivities 2023 .

During the concert the prizes from the Funny Costume Parade will be handed over.

WEDNESDAY 15TH NOVEMBER

10:00 h. - CHOCOLATE FOR EVERYONE, in the Committee´s marquee located at Plaza

de SS. MM. Reyes de España (Town Hall), thanks to the Committee of the Patron Saints´

Festivities

11:00 h. - “FESTA DE LES FESTES” gathering of all the Benidorm´s festivities entities.

Meeting at Plaza Neptuno where the parade will start. Itinerary: Almendros avenue,

Limones street, Ruzafa avenue, Herrerías street and Plaza de SS. MM. Reyes de España,

Where they will be welcomed by the Queens and their Courts of Honour and the

Committee of the Patron Saints´ Festivities.

13:00 h. – CHILDREN´S “MASCLETÁ” AND CANDY FIRECRACKERS at Plaza SS. MM.

Reyes de España.

14:00 h. - DEAFENING PYRO-DIGITAL MASCLETÀ, sponsored by the “Peñas”

Association, at avenue Jaime I (Poniente Beach), done by the pyrotechnics company

Hermanos Sirvent.

18:00 h. - FLOAT PARADE starting at Alcoy avenue and going through the following

streets: Martínez Alejos. Ruzafa, Venus, Marte, Almendros ending at Parque de Elche.

Afterwards, noisy and original Firework Display at Poniente Beach (Harbour), done by

the pyrotechnics company Mediterráneo to illuminate the sky of Benidorm and put a

spectacular end to our Patron Saints´ Festivities.

23:30 h. – Prize-giving ceremony from the Float Parade, at the Committee´s marquee

(Plaza SS. MM. Reyes de España). The prizes are sponsored by the Committee of the

Patron Saints´ Festivities.2023 .

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