The streets of Benidorm were once again transformed into a vibrant sea of colour and creativity as tens of thousands of British holidaymakers descended upon the Spanish resort for its annual fancy dress parade.
A Tradition of Celebration
This beloved November tradition, which was originally established in the 1990s by the owners of a bar called The Sports Mans Retreat, has seen its popularity soar over the decades. This year, the event reached a new scale, with an estimated 30,000 people in attendance. Impressively, around 9,000 of these revellers travelled to the city specifically to take part in the colourful festivities.
What began as a localised event in the Rincón de Loix resort area has now blossomed into a city-wide celebration. For the first time, the party spread beyond its traditional boundaries to bars and clubs across the entirety of Benidorm.
A City Embraces the Festivities
The scale of this year's event was monumental. More than a dozen elaborate floats paraded through the streets, providing a mobile spectacle for the enormous crowds. The local hospitality industry wholeheartedly embraced the influx, with approximately 50 bars and pubs opening their doors wide to welcome the costumed visitors.
Despite occasional tensions with locals in the past, the mood this year was overwhelmingly positive. The city council's events councillor, Jesús Carrobles, told local media, 'They add a great splash of colour to the city.' He added, 'In Benidorm, we are delighted to welcome everyone who comes and participates in this festival, which grows every year.'
A Spectacle of Costumes and Characters
The imagination on display was staggering, with costumes spanning from outrageous burlesque outfits reminiscent of Paris's Moulin Rouge to the holy attire of clergy members. The parade was a nostalgic trip through pop culture, featuring groups and individuals dressed as:
- Characters from the hit video game Call of Duty, including Simon 'Ghost' Riley.
- Squads of uniformed flight attendants and police officers.
- Classic superheroes like Superman, albeit with a can of Stella Artois in hand.
- A throwback to the 1970s with women dressed as Girl's World styling heads.
- Iconic figures such as Catwoman and groups of Luchadores.
- Playful ensembles, including one group with enormous, inflatable pink fish.
The successful expansion and warm reception of the Benidorm fancy dress parade cement its status as a key event in the calendar for British tourists seeking a vibrant and welcoming party destination.
