Last week there was much coverage in the Spanish press regarding British police coming over to help patrol the streets of Benidorm – something that was witnessed in Magaluf last year. At a meeting held in Benidorm with business owners on February 25, the British Consul Sarah-Jane Morris was asked the question about this possibility. The consuls visit to the resort was a follow up to the protest rally held in November – which was organsied by Karen Cowles, regarding the escalating security and safety issues here. Her response then was quite unequivocal saying “It is not possible and not going to happen despite the speculation. It is Spain’s responsibility to police their streets”.
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The old adage “if it aint broke” springs to mind on hearing that expansion plans for the controversial bike lanes in Benidorm have been put on hold. Even before completion of the bright red lane in the middle of Avd Jaime 1 in the Old Town, many were already expressing concerns about the logistics and safety, which caused ridicule on social media at the beginning of the year.
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Holidaymakers often assume that the laid back and somewhat bizarre working hours here are all to do with the heat – two hour lunch breaks and working until 9 or 10 o’clock at night. But Spain is unique in that respect – other Mediterranean countries such as Greece, Portugal and Italy work what Brits would deem as ‘normal’ hours… so why here?
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Last night – Good Friday, the main Easter procession took place in Benidorm – and it appeared as if the entire population came out to line the streets. The resort is exceptionally busy, with many domestic tourists from Madrid flocking here for the long weekend break. The parade started at the San Jaime church at the top of the Old Town, winding its way down the tiny cobbled street, carrying the magnificent “Pasos” - extremely heavy floats with sculptures depicting the Sorrows of the Virgin Mary.
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Sitting a stones throw from the Levante beach, the old Hotel Dalmatas – very popular with the Brits, is undergoing a major renovation. In fact, the entire building has been virtually gutted, leaving just the walls but is now well on its way. It is on schedule to re-open on June 24 and will be renamed the Port Benidorm Hotel.
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The Benidorm Fallas went up in smoke last night to the delight of spectators – but bewilderment of holidaymakers! Although a long established tradition, many are still aghast that so much effort and money is put into building these beautiful structures, which are only on display for 4 days.
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What a turnout in Benidorm today - if you can’t get to Ireland then the next best place has to be here.
The sun shone and the crowds turned out for the annual St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which seem to be getting bigger and busier each year. From around 12 noon people started gathering, dressed in a variety of outfits, with the common theme being green!
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Benidorm Palace will host its first ‘Magic Gala’ this coming Sunday, March 20. For those that have been to see the show there, you will already be familiar with the multi talented illusionist – David Climent. Last year he was awarded the prestigious Merlin Award by Tony Hassini, the Chairman and CEO of the International Magicians Society - who flew over from New York especially to present it to him and it is the equivalent of an Oscar or BAFTA in the film and television industry.
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Benidorm is in full party mode this week with not one but two major events taking place – St Patrick’s Day, predominantly for the Brits and the Fallas. Both are fantastic but culturally miles apart and if you can, then try and get to see both.The green day has even made it onto the official Benidorm Town Hall fiesta calendar this year, proving what an important (economic) event it is!
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Syd Little – one half of the former comedy duo Little and Large is currently here on the Costa Blanca where I caught up with him ahead of his appearance at the 2 day 'Homes, Gardens & Lifestyle Show' taking place at the Denia Marriott hotel this Friday 11th and Saturday 12th March. Last year he appeared on Celebrity Masterchef, where he made it through to the quarterfinals. Cooking is certainly not his forte he told me – that is his wife’s domain, though not in a derogatory way – as she actually runs a restaurant, appropriately named 'The Little Restaurant' in Fleetwood.
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For a totally unique way to add a thrill to your day, how about a helicopter tour over the Benidorm skyline! One local couple – Trish and Bill have just been up and despite the somewhat grey overcast day it certainly didn’t detract from the experience they said. The heliport is located just beside the Terra Mitica theme park, from where it has been operating for the last 10 years.
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If you loved the hits of the 60’s then head down to Benidorm Palace where The Manfreds will be headlining this Sunday – with our very own local talent Pablo Bloom the support act for the night. He is absolutely delighted and honoured to have been asked to play – a venue he has dreamed about having been there a number of times. He has a fantastic repertoire with a particular fondness for 60’s icons such as Chuck Berry, Jersey Boys and Elvis, which will complement The Manfreds superbly.
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Benidorm is a popular destination for party go-ers and we are now entering traditional Stag & Hen season. Love them or loathe them, they are important to the economy of the resort and in general the vast majority behave. The resort is a magnet for those wanting a good time, where booze is cheap and bars are plentiful - many of the groups arrive on Friday and fly back on Monday, though somewhat more subdued than when they arrived! Boisterous behavior is tolerated to a point here but on the plane it is a very different matter as a group found out last week.
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Rising like a phoenix from the ashes, the Selomar Hotel, located in prime position along the Levante promenade may soon have a new lease of life. The hotel, an eye sore on an otherwise pristine front has been closed and deserted since 2007. Originally built in 1973, the hotel offered 245 rooms across 8 floors and underwent a refurbishment in 1992.
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