Fiestas feature strongly in Spanish culture and every year towns and villages up and down the country celebrate at various times of the year - and Benidorm's is virtually upon us. The annual fiesta is a celebration of the local Patron Saint, which for Benidorm is the Virgin of the Sufragio and San Jaime Apostle (they have two) and religion features heavily. The event dates back to 1740 when an image of the Virgin was found in the remains of a burnt out fishing boat, which was taken up to the church. A re-enactment of this is played out every year on the Poniente beach on the first official day of the fiesta – which is this Saturday, 12 November at about 5pm followed by a procession up to the San Jaime church at the top of the Old Town.
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Despite unfounded fears that Brexit would have a negative impact on holidays the reverse appears to be true for Benidorm. Hotel bookings by the British are already 16 per cent up on this time last year, proving that a devaluation in sterling will not put many off coming back. To reinforce this message, last night the Presidente Hotel re-opened the UK Cabaret Club (formerly called the Comedy Club) – and the first night was buzzing.
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The Palace was a total sell out last night with virtually every seat taken – it’s been a while since I’ve seen even the very back row jam packed. Liverpool funnyman Stan Boardman opened the show and quickly had the entire venue roaring with his not always so politically correct gags which everyone loved. After an interval the fabulous Walk Like a Man quartet took to the stage, suited and booted, to a rave reception from the entire room and many ended up dancing in the aisles.
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The 2016 Poppy Appeal was launched in Benidorm yesterday with a spectacular parade, led by the Torrevieja Pipes and Drums along the Levante promenade – making for an incredible backdrop. The sound of the bagpipes drew crowds off the beach and spectators lined the route, applauding as they passed. The immaculately turned out Standard Bearers followed – including one lady this year and behind them two gentlemen who rightfully earned the biggest applause and respect from all, the Chelsea Pensioners, wearing their distinctive scarlet coats and medals.
The Mayor, Toni Perez walked behind, accompanied by the Vice Consul Sarah Munsterhjelm, Lt Col David Whimpenny, Captain Paul Lencass, Mr Nigel Hails – Chairman of District North of RBL in Spain and Robin Hargrave – the Poppy appeal co-ordinator. The parade finished at the end of the promenade and officials took to the stage, where The Rev Ray Andrews, Service Padre gave a prayer of thanks to start the ceremony.
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Work has at long last begun on the new SATE office in the Rincon de Loix. SATE stands for "El Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero" - hence the abbreviation, which roughly translated means the Foreign Tourist Assistance Office. This is where you should go to file a report if you are in the unfortunate situation of being a victim of crime. There was much criticism when the current one was opened in the Old Town back in 2013 – with virtually everyone in agreement that it was the wrong place. But to everyone's shock and amazement, workmen and a digger arrived this morning to begin the construction – which is estimated to take up to five months. It will be located beside the current tourist information office on Calle Derramador – opposite the Flash hotel. The Town Hall have promised that it will be fully operational for Spring.
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The peamen – sometimes also referred to as the potato men are the scourge of Benidorm and should be given a very wide berth. They operate in gangs, usually on busy thoroughfares such as the Levante promenade, on the Avd Mediterraneo or around the Indoor Market. They entice people to stop by shouting and cheering, waving €20 notes that they have supposedly just won by guessing which potato half the pea is hidden under – hence the name. But the ‘crowd’ is actually members of the gang, some of which are Brits to make it look more authentic.
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The much anticipated Moors parade took place in Altea yesterday evening – the highlight of the annual fiesta calendar. After the carnival in Rio this must definitely come a close second for elaborate and eye catching outfits! Hundreds packed the main street to watch and admire, with cameras poised while jostling for prime position.
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Now that the peak summer season is over, the resort sees the return of the ‘snowbirds' – retired Brits who flock here to escape the cold British winter. In fact, it is not only the Brits that repeat this annual pilgrimage but other north European citizens such as the Dutch, Germans and increasingly Belgian nationals. Each year the numbers appear to increase, with Brits in search of winter warmth and thus avoid the spiraling fuel bills at home. Many drive over, either with a caravan attached or in a motorhome, with bicycles tied to the back. There is certainly plenty of choice when they arrive – some will have pre-booked a site space, reserving from one year to the next whilst other take their chance and pull up with their life possessions, looking for the best bargain at one of the many sites.
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It was a busy day in Benidorm today – firstly with the La Vuelta cycle race this morning, starting stage 20, a 193.2km route which was won by Pierre Latour (ALM) despite many attempts by Britain’s Chris Froome of Team Sky to overtake. But the real excitement was for the Pride Parade, which was scheduled for a 5pm start but was nearer to 6pm before it set off from the Rincon. Hundreds went to great lengths dressing up and getting into the spirit of the occasion – and even Her Majesty made an appearance...in addition to a number of other queens!
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The sixth Benidorm Pride has kicked off and there are plenty of events on up at in Old Town throughout this week. Tomorrow - Wednesday is the official Opening Gala Party at the Mirador with drag queens, local artistes, DJ's, full bar service and best of all - it's FREE! On Thursday there is a ‘White Party’ up at the Mirador, starting at 8pm until 1am and the following night, Friday is the ‘Black Party’ - which will be staged at the Auditorium Julio Iglesias (behind the Town Hall). But what many deem the highlight of the week, the Parade, takes place on Saturday afternoon where glitz, sequins and feathers will be the order of the day!
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The newly refurbished Port Benidorm Hotel – previously the Dalmatas has undergone a multi million euro transformation and is stunning. It certainly couldn’t be better located – a mere stones throw to the sandy Levante beach and the nightlife of Benidorm... an ideal combination! Now a superior 4 star the first thing which strikes you is the modern open airy feel throughout.
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Benidorm’s newest venue to open is Sinatra’s Premium – a brand new Dinner and Show Bar, located in the Rincon de Loix opposite the Hotel Levante Club. The opening party took place last night, where Manolo proudly showed off the months of hard work that it took to achieve the spectacular result. The 550 sq mt venue has been finished to a very high standard and he knows exactly what does and doesn’t work - having a number of other clubs and bars in the area. But this is different to his other venues in that it will not just be serving drinks but snacks and food throughout the day and ultimately a sit down meal with show in the evenings.
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Reminiscent of a scene from Wacky races or a Carry On film, a video uploaded to You Tube of the daily sunbed sprint at the Flamingo Oasis hotel here in Benidorm has caused much amusement worldwide. It has even made headlines in the daily papers – but rest assured, sadly this is not an isolated incidence, which only occurs there! The Brits even put the Germans to shame, historically renowned for bagging sunbed at the crack of dawn.
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The Segway originated in America but is now popular worldwide – and Benidorm is no exception. Unlike the mobility scooter, which you sit on and is almost out of control here – the Segway is a 2-wheeled electric vehicle which you stand on... hence doesn't appeal to those that hire mobility scooters purely out of sheer lasiness and as a cheap mode of transport, therefore making it difficult for the genuine users. You will see Segways around the resort but be careful who you rent them from. Just as there are counterfeits with everything these days, be warned that there are also inferior Chinese imitations about.
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