Julio Iglesias won the Benidorm Song Festival in 1968. Life goes on. Nothing was the same for him. Just a few years ago, in 1962, it was the very young 19-year-old Raphael who won the Golden Little Mermaid award for his version. they carry. Both careers soared in that competition that began in what was then the capital of tourism. a city that vibrates for and with music that has been almost in its DNA ever since.
Benidorm is the music capital of Spain? Opinions may be many, but what no one can deny is that the essence of this art is inhaled in the environment. Now with the Benidorm Festival, with all kinds of festivals throughout the year, from indie music to reggaeton to flamenco. But the city’s relationship with music isn’t just in these big events, it’s also in the little things: unknown artists who sing at venues in the English region or “cover” (versions of major artists) at large audience venues. . Benidorm is also María Jesus and her accordion or the famous Benidorm Palace. The most ‘kitchy’ area in town where Alaska has always been queen. And to all this is added the most traditional music, the music of groups that put notes on hymns and parties.
All this is Benidorm and its relationship to music. With the celebration of the second edition of Benidorm Fest, where Spain’s next representative for Eurovision has been chosen, Words about the city’s music history were once again discussed. Artists in the municipality these days emphasized that there is a special “magic” in the environment that encourages them to continue composing or creating songs. i was telling Sofia MartinAn artist who could not make it to the final from Alicante, but started to write these days, inspired by his experiences and experiences. Others highlighted the effort to reinvent a Song Festival that was so joyous at the time but eventually disappeared. On top of these ashes, the current music competition has spawned a successful event that multiple well-known artists have already set their sights on and can choose to attend.
The Benidorm Song Festival had only one purpose: to hold a competition with Spain’s San Remo model. According to journalist Juan Díaz, in the summer of 1958 the city had barely 5,000 residents and welcomed more than 18,000 vacationers. The well-known mayor, Pedro Zaragoza, wanted to position it on the map and the idea to have his own festival came up.. In 1959, the Festival de la Canción de la Voz de Madrid, which was held in Benidorm and would later become known, was born. It was a success.
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That year the Golden Mermaid got the song a telegram, starring Monna Bell. It was the beginning of everything. There were 39 prints. It continued uninterrupted from 1959 to 1978. In 1980, the celebration continued until 1985. It was not made in 1984. Returned nonstop from 1993 to 2006; date of the last raid. Until Benidorm Festival takes over.
It’s not just these festivals that have placed the tourism capital on the music scene. Benidorm not only wins because it has the most skyscrapers in its district, but it has already been invented as the city with the most festivals in the country.. Something very few people know. Its annual agenda includes Low Festival, an international music event that was born in 2009 under the name Low Cost and changed its name to its current name in 2014. The event was born to attract young people to and from the municipality. Deliver the best indie music on the national and international stage in three days. Placebo, Love of Lesbian, Izal or Alaska spent these years on their stage. Also local groups given the opportunity to showcase their art.
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He’s not alone. Because Benidorm offers more musical events throughout the year as a branch of the famous Primavera Sound or Funtastic Festival. Second, it brings together Punk, Garage, Indie, R’N’B bands and costume contests. The offer remains quite diverse: the Reggatón Beach Festival is already a calendar appointment for this genre of music lovers; or for the Iberian Festival pop and rock lovers. It is usually in October and has been going on for over a decade. They have since gone through their own phase. loquillo to M Clan or Bonnie Tyler, among others. These are added to other events where music is at the center, such as the grand celebration of Benidorm Pride. Added to all this is an event dedicated to the music of the 90s, in which this generation is honored.
But the city isn’t just fed up with big festivals. under the brand Benidorm Music and Emotion, Every summer the municipality organizes a wide variety of concerts or festivals such as Con Mucho Arte. In the Julio Iglesias Auditorium (where everything sounds like music), l’Aigüera Park has concerts that are the general trend of summer and music for all audiences. There are also great performances at places like the Guillermo Amor Stadium, where Alejandro Sanz passed by.
Music sometimes brings with it the impossible. american singer Bruce Springsteen she chose the song “Los pajaritos” of María Jesús and her accordion to begin her concert at the municipal stadium. Foietes in BenidormIn the summer of 2009, as a nod to the city’s audience.
Live music or the most ‘kitch’ palace
Benidorm is also the place for little artists. He was portrayed in the movie Secun de la Rosa. lid that’s exactly what those unknown singers who want to make their way in the music world do every day. They do versions in small venues of well-known artists like Amy Winehouse or Elvis. Everything, one day to find a place in the complex trade.
The enclave to find this type of performance is Rincón de Loix. The area known as the English area is where more performances of this type can be found alongside other live bands. Brits carry their DNA to enjoy this type of music in traditional bars, and Benidorm is no exception.. It is almost like your second home. The offer is huge, especially in the summer months, even in hotels where you can find all kinds of reviews every night. This is also the musical tradition of the tourist capital.
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Added to these is something that is part of the history of this art of the city: Benidorm Palace. That nightclub, where concerts are held, still carries the smell of old music halls from years ago, but has managed to renew itself. with his shows without neglecting his ‘kitch’ style. It hosted the Orange Carpet at Benidorm Fest and is one of Alaska’s most beloved “temples”.
For sure, the singer is in love with Benidorm and music. “There are a thousand reasons why it should be held in Benidorm. From the Benidorm Song Festival, the musical tradition, not just in a big way, but in a festival like low. I’m also talking about the artists who are every night in each of the live music venues. Benidorm PalaceThe well-known artist had told this newspaper to this newspaper when he was the host of Benidorm Fest just a year ago. And he knows something about music.
In Benidorm, music is almost as much a protagonist as the sun or skyscrapers. It is also part of popular culture. The municipality has three music groups.: Benidorm Musical Union, Societat Musical l’Illa and Societat Musical La Nova. In them, the little ones learn about music and tradition and are responsible for adding soundtracks to cultural or festive moments. Other musicians join him, making “Xirimita i el tabalet” notes a living, pure tradition. Music and town have gone a long way hand in hand. Festivals will continue to be held and Benidorm Fest continues to grow stronger. Can Benidorm be called the capital of music?