Benidorm patron saint fiestas 2026: what they are, when they happen and the programme
Benidorm's patron saint festivities (Festes Majors Patronals) take place every November in honour of the Virgen del Sufragio, the town's patron saint, and Sant Jaume (Saint James the Apostle). In 2026 they run from Saturday 7 to Wednesday 11 November, with events from 31 October: processions, daily mascletàs, the Humour Parade, the float parade and free concerts.
Key points
- In 2026 they run from 7 to 11 November, in honour of the Virgen del Sufragio and Sant Jaume.
- Daily mascletà at 2 pm on Avenida de Foietes from 8 to 11 November; Humour Parade on the 10th and float parade on the 11th.
- 9 and 10 November are local holidays in Benidorm.
What is being celebrated
The tradition dates back to 1740. According to the legend, an empty ship drifted onto Benidorm's shore after a storm. Fearing disease, the townspeople burned it, and in the ashes they found an image of the Virgin, untouched. She became the town's patron saint, the Mare de Déu del Sofratge. Every year the discovery is re-enacted on Poniente beach in the event known as «La Barqueta».
The fiestas are run each year by the Mayorales, with the festival Queens and their courts and the peñas (festival clubs) of the «Verge del Sofratge» association. The next year's Mayorales are announced during the Sant Jaume procession.
When they take place
Always in November. The fiesta Sunday is the Virgin's day and the Monday is Sant Jaume's. A cultural week comes first and a novena to the Virgin follows. The town hall and the fiesta committee publish the programme in October.
2026 programme (summary)
| Day | Main events |
|---|---|
| Sat 31 Oct | Cultural week: mascletà at 2 pm in the town hall square and concerts by the local bands. |
| Fri 6 Nov | 6 pm festive lights on Calle Martínez Alejos · 7 pm fairground opens (next to the bullring) · 9.30 pm entrance of the peñas. |
| Sat 7 Nov | 12 noon Angelus, church bells and aerial fireworks · 5 pm «La Barqueta» on Poniente beach · 6.30 pm pilgrimage, flower offering and opening speech. |
| Sun 8 Nov | Virgin's day · 11.30 am mass · 2 pm mascletà on Avenida de Foietes · 7.30 pm procession · 11.30 pm Funambulista concert (Plaza de los Reyes). |
| Mon 9 Nov | Sant Jaume's day · 11.30 am mass · 2 pm mascletà · 7.30 pm procession and announcement of the 2027 Mayorales · 10.30 pm Leticia Sabater. |
| Tue 10 Nov | 12 noon sardine lunch · 2 pm mascletà · 7 pm Humour Parade (Calles Venus, Ruzafa and Martínez Alejos) · 11 pm night mascletà. |
| Wed 11 Nov | 11 am Festa de les Festes · 1 pm children's mascletà · 2 pm mascletà · 6 pm float parade to Avenida de Alcoy, ending with fireworks. |
| 12–21 Nov | Novena to the Virgin (7 pm) and thanksgiving mass on Saturday 21. |
Full programme from Benidorm town hall and Visit Benidorm. We update this box every year.
Practical tips
- Holidays: Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November 2026 are local holidays in Benidorm. Many shops, banks and offices close.
- Traffic: streets in the centre and Avenida de Foietes close during processions and parades. Walk or take the bus.
- Noise: mascletàs and the concerts in Plaza de los Reyes and Huerto de Colón go on until the early hours.
- Cost: street events and the concerts in the official programme are free.
What it means for you
If you are looking for a home in Benidorm, fiesta week is a good chance to see the town beyond tourism: the old town, the peñas and long-standing local families. If you want peace and quiet, bear in mind that the centre and the area around Plaza de los Reyes have music until late for one week a year.
Frequently asked questions
When are Benidorm's patron saint fiestas?
In November. In 2026, from 7 to 11 November, with events from 31 October and the novena until the 20th.
Which days are holidays in Benidorm?
In 2026, Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 November are local holidays in Benidorm.
Where and when are the mascletàs?
On Avenida de Foietes at 2 pm from 8 to 11 November, plus a night mascletà on Tuesday 10 at 11 pm.
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We specialise in Alfaz del Pi, Albir, La Nucía, Altea, Benidorm and Finestrat, with our office in Albir. Call +34 965 064 440 or WhatsApp +34 601 868 660.
Sources:
- Radio Sirena — Actos, conciertos y novedades de las Festes Majors Patronals de Benidorm 2026 (consultado 07/11/2026)
- Ahora Marina Baixa — Programa Festes Majors Patronals Benidorm 2026 (consultado 07/11/2026)
- Visit Benidorm — Fiestas Mayores Patronales Benidorm 2026 (historia y leyenda; consultado 07/11/2026)
- Día Internacional De — Dónde es festivo el 9 y el 10 de noviembre de 2026 (fiesta local en Benidorm; consultado 07/11/2026)
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