Benidorm Fest: A Festival Grounded in Benidorm’s Musical Spirit

Would it make sense to celebrate a festival like Benidorm Fest in another municipality? Those who know the details of this musical phenomenon would likely answer no. Yet many artists and conductors who have crossed paths with the competition and its ties to this city offer a different perspective. Benidorm and music come together in a way that experts and first-time visitors alike describe as the ideal setting to select Spain’s next Eurovision representative.

Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó, Ana Prada, Inés Hernand, Aitor Albizua and Jordi Cruz shared with INFORMACIÓN their thoughts on the tourist capital as the venue for an event where music takes the leading role. The benefits highlighted include the city’s distinctive structure acting as a natural ally to this kind of show, and the historical Song Festival, which hosted stars like Raphael and Julio Iglesias, laying the groundwork for the modern festival.

“It’s wonderful that something like this is happening in Benidorm. The Song Festival is being kept alive,” says Ruth Lorenzo, who will present premieres of the event and marks the tenth anniversary of her Eurovision entry. The festival is praised as a celebration that supports culture and artists, both established and emerging. Lorenzo also notes Benidorm’s broad, multicultural mix, calling it a great strength.

Marc Calderó agrees that the city’s skyline has a welcoming effect: “The city always greets you in a wonderful way.” Residents are fortunate, and with Benidorm Festival, their visibility is even stronger—“how remarkable it is to put the city on the map each year for music.” He recalls the Song Festival’s origins and how it evolved into a more contemporary form by its third edition, noting its ongoing consolidation. The idea of a longer-running Benidorm Festival resonates as a platform that helps many artists reach larger audiences.

Ana Prada reflects on the city’s impact from her own experiences. The journalist, who has reported for a decade, spent time exploring Benidorm and found it lively and accessible: “I love it here. Everything is easy in Benidorm. People are in good spirits, and the city exudes joy.” Prada explains that Benidorm communicates a strong energy and a sense of music, offering a soundtrack to a Mediterranean corner and a place naturally inclined toward musical vitality.

Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó and Ana Prada will anchor the two semi-finals and the grand final, while Jordi Cruz, Inés Hernand and Aitor Albizua will appear on screens before and after these moments, conveying the city’s atmosphere and its mysterious relationship with music. “This showcases Benidorm’s unique character,” says Albizua, who notes the city’s blend of diverse ages, nationalities and a dynamic street scene visible on Benidorm’s streets, reflecting a vibrant musical ecosystem. He also believes the festival serves as a strong musical springboard for participants. Aitor has attended multiple Benidorm Festivals and has seen friends attend Eurovision from the city, explaining that the connection between Benidorm and Eurovision runs deep for him. Cruz adds that Benidorm’s link to Eurovision predates the festival itself.

Benidorm Fest at the Song Festival venue?

The presenter emphasizes the significance of the Song Festival in the city’s musical history and suggests a potential use of the venue by RTVE. The aim is to preserve the site because it is part of the country’s heritage. Proposals for the future include keeping the place alive while leveraging premieres, with ideas for the next edition to come.

Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó and Ana Prada in Benidorm. Pilar Cortés

Ana Prada describes the Benidorm municipality as a place that nurtures creativity. She highlights how simple life in Benidorm supports a joyful atmosphere, and notes that the city radiates energy and music. It’s like a Mediterranean soundtrack in a place naturally inclined toward rhythm and color.

Ruth Lorenzo, Marc Calderó and Ana Prada will continue to be the visible faces of the semi-finals and the grand final. Before and after these moments, Jordi Cruz, Inés Hernand and Aitor Albizua will share their impressions on the city’s aura and its relationship with music, which has grown alongside the festival in recent years. “The city’s vibe is part of its music,” says Albizua, underscoring how Benidorm’s atmosphere blends with the festival’s tempo.

The discussion also touches on the festival’s potential to attract a wider European audience. Benidorm’s reputation as a reference point in Europe helps draw fans from across the continent who follow pre-selection events and subsequent performances. The city’s appeal encompasses party and gastronomy, sun and sea, which many attendees remember fondly on return journeys. A perfect location enhancements include keeping the essence of Benidorm’s concentrated energy, even as other major cities could host a similar event.

Inés Hernand also weighs in, noting that Benidorm stands apart from other potential hosts. She considers the city a forward-thinking hub and recalls the Song Festival as a proving ground for notable talents who contributed to Spain’s musical legacy. The exchange of stories and memories from past years underscores how the festival helps preserve and celebrate the country’s rich musical heritage.

Ultimately the conversation centers on Benidorm as a benchmark for culture, music and international appeal. The festival’s enduring charm lies in its ability to fuse local flavor with a global audience, offering a vivid case study of how a single city can become synonymous with a country’s musical aspirations. The consensus is clear: Benidorm is a fitting stage where music, culture and community converge to create lasting momentum for Spain’s Eurovision journey.