Beyond the Glitter: How Benidorm Fest is Changing the Face of the Costa Blanca

While the summer crowds feel like a distant memory at this moment in time, Benidorm is currently starting to vibrate with a different kind of energy. The fifth edition of Benidorm fest which is running from the 10th to 14th February will officially be kicking off!

A Musical Powerhouse

This week, the Palau d’Esports I’lla is the centre of the Spanish music universe. With 18 artists competing for the ‘Golden Mermaid.’ trophy, the town is packed with fans, journalists, and industry scouts. For the local community, it’s a moment of pride. The event has successfully rebranded Benidorm as a ‘City of Music.’, attracting a younger, diverse demographic that might never have considered the Costa Blanca for a winter break.

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The ‘Euro club.’ and Fan Culture

The festival isn’t just contained within the TV studio. The entire city gets involved:

• The Euro Club: On Friday, February 13th, the Julio Iglesias Auditorium will host a massive free party with live performances from guest artists and past favourites.
• The Tapas Boost: Local business in the Old Town have reported a “Benidorm Fest Effect,” with tapas bars and hotels seeing occupancy levels that rival the busy Easter period. It has effectively “killed.” the quiet February slump.

Why it Matters for Locals

For residents, the festival is a sign of the region’s growing cultural maturity. With a total prize pool of €150,000 for the winners, and a global audience watching via RTVE Play, the eyes of Europe are on us. Whether you’re cheering for a local favourite or just enjoying the buzz in the English Square, there’s no denying that Benidorm Fest has given the Costa Blanca a new, vibrant heartbeat in the middle of winter.

Key Dates for Your Diary:

• Semi-final 1: Tuesday, Feb 10th
• Semi-final 2: Thursday, Feb 12th
• Grand Final: Saturday, Feb 14th (Valentines Day Special!)

Author: Melissa Williams

Hi, I’m Melissa, a creative writer and ESL teacher with a passion for storytelling. I started writing fiction when I was young, and I eventually discovered that I loved performing, working all over the Costa Blanca as a semi-professional singer. I now write articles that I hope will inspire and engage readers by using my creativity. Whether I'm sharing personal insights or delving into local culture, I try to produce content that is relatable and meaningful. working as a creator of events and features.