Monday 8th October 2018 – Day 8 of Blogtober

It’s no big secret that Spain loves a good fiesta.

I can’t actually think of a month where there isn’t a fiesta going on somewhere that is within a reach. The party doesn’t have to stop – unless you want it to.

There are so many popular festivities all year round and there’s always something to get involved with.

A lot of people ask me when the upcoming fiestas are in Benidorm and Spain, especially the November fiestas. So, I thought it would be a good idea to create a mini fiesta guide so you get some background information on the fiestas and what exactly will be going on.

October Fiestas in Benidorm

Day of the Valencian Community in Spain – October 9th

Día de la Comunidad Valenciana is the anniversary of King James of Aragon’s capture of the city of Valencia from the Moors back in 1238. He created the ‘Kingdom of Valencia’ as an independent country.

On Día de la Comunidad Valenciana, the autonomous community of Valencia’s flag, which is gold and red horizontal stripes, is widely displayed. This flag has been iconic to the Valenciana community since 1159.

Wondering what happens? Well, parades are held in the city of Valencia and other towns and villages on October 9th. The parades will feature medieval costumes. Some places will hold communal meals or parties after the parade.

The Day of the Valencian Community is an annual public holiday in the Valenciana region. Some businesses and organisations may close. Most shops will close, however, bars, restaurants, privately owned shops, bakeries and hotels will be open as normal. The public transport usually runs on a reduced timetable. You may also find some roads will be closed or local disruption to traffic for public events.

If October 9 falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is usually moved to a different day. Sometimes, if it falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, many businesses will take the opportunity to have a long weekend and close on the Monday or the Friday.

The Day of the Valencian Community is not a public holiday in the rest of Spain.

Day of Saint Dionysius – October 9th

Also on October 9th is the Day of Saint Dionysius, otherwise known as Sant Dionís. It’s considered another day of love. Typically, Valencian men will give their partner gifts of marzipan pastries wrapped in a silken scarf, handcrafted by Valencia’s confectioners.

Wonder what Alex is getting me? haha…

National Day in Spain – October 12th

National Day in Spain (Fiesta Nacional de España) is an annual national public holiday held on October 12th. It commemorates when Christopher Colombus set foot in the Americas in 1492.

On Fiesta Nacional de España, the King of Spain supervises the raising of the national flag in Madrid. After that, there is a military parade, which includes Spain’s military units and military vehicles. The armed forces also perform an air show with a display of yellow and red smoke, similar to the red arrows in the UK, to represent the Spanish flag. The radio, TV and internet news sources broadcast live.

Fiesta Nacional de España is a day of rest and an opportunity to spend time with family and close friends at home.

The National Day is an annual national holiday. Some businesses and organisations may close. Most shops will close, however, bars, restaurants, privately owned shops, bakeries and hotels will be open as normal. The public transport usually runs on a reduced timetable.

If October 12 falls on a Sunday, the public holiday is usually moved to a different day. Sometimes, if it falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday, many businesses will take the opportunity to have a long weekend and close on the Monday or the Friday.

November Fiestas in Benidorm

Benidorm Fiestas start this year at 17:00 on Friday, November 9th 2018. There will be daily bangers at 14:00 at Plaza Triangular.

The fiesta officially ends on Wednesday, November 14th with a big finale parade of over 60 floats and 20 bands. There will be a fireworks display on Playa de Poniente just after 21:00.

Fancy Dress Day:

The fancy dress isn’t officially part of the “Benidorm fiestas”. It actually starts the day after the fiestas end. This year, it’s Thursday, November 15th. The fancy dress starts around midday and is celebrated around Playa Levante and Calle Gerona.

Each year the fancy dress party gets bigger and bigger. The parade usually starts around 15:00 from Morgan’s Tavern (across the road from the Sol Pelicanos). 

Will you be celebrating this year?

Hasta luego,