Rio de Janeiro is traditionally regarded as the capital of carnival celebrations, with the most spectacular and extravagant costumes you are ever likely to see. But Benidorm also has its own annual parade, which will take place in the Old Town next Saturday, 6th February.
The date is dependent on when Easter falls, which this year is early, March 27th - Easter can fall on any Sunday between March 22 and April 25. There is talk between church leaders to make Easter fall on a fixed Sunday each year – with either the first or second Sunday of April a possibility. However, it would be many years before this would come into effect, not least of all as many events have already been confirmed working around the roving Easter date.
The Spanish, much like the Brits love to dress up and hardly a month seems to go by without some kind of fiesta - which entails raiding the dressing up box! The Carnival Parade of 2011 was probably one of the most eye catching in recent years – particularly for the gents, as scantily clad ladies gyrated down the length of Calle Ruzafa with a few strategically placed feathers and sequins.
This year’s parade does not begin until 9:30pm and as time keeping is not an attribute associated with the Spanish, likely to be even later. However, it is certainly worth waiting up for and you will witness how the locals party, with a great atmosphere and mix of elaborate costumes. It starts from the top end of Calle Ruzafa (where Hotel Crystal park is) and ends up at the Town Hall Square – and the entire route will be lined with hundreds of spectators. But wrap up warm as it will be chilly if you plan on going - if not then we will bring you the best of the costumes in full colour next Sunday.
