To add to the excitement and atmosphere on the Eve of San Juan, those that went down to Albir beach joined the locals watching Spain playing in the Euro quarter finals on a huge screen. You could cut the tension with a knife every time the ball drifted towards the Spanish goal, but when Spain scored I should think you could here the cheer in Benidorm.

For those that may still be unaware, Spain is now through to the semi finals - playing against Portugal on Wednesday.

Waiting for the stroke of Midnight

People arrived with tables, chairs and picnics from the middle of the afternoon to reserve their places near the big screen. There was a terrific atmosphere throughout the entire evening and ex-pats mixed and celebrated with the local Spanish residents.

As tradition dictates, a few minutes before midnight the crowds walked down to the shoreline - and I must say, a fair few went in - and no I wasn´t one of those! Despite being banned by the Costal Act, a bonfire was erected and burnt on the sand - but the fire crews were on standby nearby as the fire was lit, with hose in hand.


... and obviously no celebration in Spain is complete without the obligatory firework display! They way to tell when the recession is really biting here is to watch out for when they have none - then you should seriously worry.