The highlight of pride week – the colourful parade, took place in Benidorm this afternoon. Starting from the end of the Levante promenade, a succession of decorated cars, vans, buses and lorries were accompanied by hundreds of participants in an array of vibrant and eye-catching costumes, including comedienne Crissy Rock.
Mobile sound systems blasted out music adding to the carnival like atmosphere and holidaymakers sunbathing on the beach jumped up to join the thousands of spectators lining the route, clapping and cheering as they passed by.
Rainbow flags, balloons and face paint were in abundance, with everyone seemingly embracing the occasion. The parade continued past the town hall, ending at the outdoor Julio Iglesias auditorium where the party will continue into the early hours.
The Bargain Loving Brits filmcrew were also in attendance, recording for a new series with Wayne and Des collecting for Busy Bees. This year, for the first time, there will be a closing party at the iconic Benidorm Palace on Sunday evening.
Among the floats this year was one representing Beni Fest - what has now become the annual competition to pick Spain´s entry for the Eurovision song contest - a hugely popular. event that takes place in January. There was a replica "microphone trophy" which is presented to the winner and the float had "Sharonne" onboard, a famous Spanish drag queen.
Benidorm is an important fixture in the pride calendar and it has a huge positive impact on the resort. Town hall figures have estimated that pride week has attracted an extra 20,000 visitors to the resort, benefitting hotels, bars and restaurants. The next big event for the Brits is British Fancy Dress Day, which takes place on Thursday, 16 November.
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