Local Culture
Benidorm and its region: a journey through local culture
Benidorm, world famous for its beaches and vibrant nightlife, is also home to a rich cultural tradition that extends throughout the Marina Baixa region. Beyond the skyscrapers and sun and beach tourism, this city and its surroundings offer a heritage full of history, folklore and festivities that captivate locals and visitors alike.
Festivals and traditions
Benidorm’s cultural identity is deeply linked to its festivities. The Fiestas Mayores Patronales, held in November, are the most important event of the year. These festivities pay homage to the Virgen del Sufragio and San Jaime Apostle, with parades, floral offerings, fireworks and traditional activities that fill the streets with joy and devotion.
Another outstanding event is the Benidorm Fest, a musical event that has acquired great international relevance as a platform for new talents and has turned the city into the epicentre of Spanish and European music.
In the region, municipalities such as Altea, La Nucía and Villajoyosa also keep their traditions alive. Altea, with its whitewashed old town and its famous blue-domed church, hosts every summer the Mostra d’Artesania, where local artists exhibit their work. Villajoyosa, meanwhile, celebrates the Moors and Christians Festivities, declared to be of International Tourist Interest, which recreate the historical battles with impressive parades and performances.
Local gastronomy: a delight for the senses
The culture of Benidorm and its region is also evident in its gastronomy. Dishes such as ‘arròs a banda’, ‘caldero marinero’ or ‘pebrera tallada’ form part of the traditional recipe book that fuses sea and mountain cuisine. The Mediterranean influence is evident in every mouthful, and the typical pastries, such as sweet potato pastissets or coca maria, sweeten the culinary experience.
You will find here in the old center many tapas bars, you will be able to eat delicious seafood or traditional Valencian vermicelli, but the local dishes are arroz a banda (rice with seafood) and caldereta de pescado, a local fish stew.
The local markets offer a variety of fresh produce, from freshly caught fish to local fruit and vegetables that enrich the daily cuisine. In addition, the area’s restaurants combine traditional recipes with innovative gastronomic proposals, attracting lovers of good food and enhancing the region’s culinary identity.
You can spend a nice afternoon at the Mendoza winery, understanding the process of vinification and tasting some delicious local wines
Art and historical heritage
Despite its modernity, Benidorm retains traces of its past. Places such as the Mirador del Castillo, where a defensive fortress once stood against the Berber pirates, offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean and are a reminder of the city’s history.
In the region, the Museum of Villajoyosa houses an impressive archaeological legacy, with Iberian and Roman remains that are evidence of the area’s rich history. On the other hand, in Guadalest, the medieval castle and ethnographic museums transport visitors back in time.
Art also occupies a prominent place in the cultural life of the region. In Altea, considered the artistic cradle of the Marina Baixa, you can find numerous art galleries, artists’ workshops and exhibitions showing both contemporary works and traditional expressions. In addition, festivals such as the Altea International Music Festival and street art events contribute to keeping the region’s art scene alive.