Benidorm Fest is a beacon for music, tourism, and regional promotion all at once. The event, now in its third edition in the city, carries immense economic value that defies quick calculation. Early projections already hint at impressive figures, with media and advertising alone estimated to total around 80 million euros.
This assessment comes from Tourism Minister Nuria Montes, who learned about the event firsthand. The next Spain’s Eurovision representative will be announced, and the final will be staged at the Palau d’Esports L’Illa in Benidorm. Attending alongside Montes are Mayor Toni Pérez; Jesús Carrobles, Councilor for Festivals and Events; José Luis Muñiz, RTVE Director of Research and Technical Media; and María Eizaguirre, RTVE Director of Communications and Engagement.
The consolidation of Benidorm Fest signals a landmark moment for tourism promotion across Benidorm, the Costa Blanca, and the Valencian Community. Advertisements celebrate the festival with the message that the return on investment is impactful, noting that the budget for the event will surpass five million euros when considering hotel activity during the week. Other sectors, including hospitality, are expected to benefit as well.
p class=”article-photo__footer” style=”” >Carrobles, Montes, Pérez, Eizaguirre and Muñiz appear on stage at Benidorm Fest. INFORMATION
The festival is described as a strategic part of a de-seasonalization plan, with premieres, two semi-finals, and the final spread across multiple days and venues throughout the city. The mayor emphasized that this festival serves as a major cultural milestone for Spain, attracting Europeans and music lovers while continuing the legacy of the historic Benidorm Song Festival and spotlighting the year’s music scene in the country and beyond.
meeting in Palau
The center court at the Palau d’Esports L’Illa is nearing its final setup, transforming into a futuristic television stage. The venue covers an area of 581 square meters and is designed around a central circular area featuring a large floor screen, two connecting side tunnels, and an oval high‑resolution LED centerpiece. The configuration supports a dynamic on-screen experience for audiences both on-site and at home.
Benidorm Fest: The festival starts with the Orange Carpet
In another part of the venue, the Green Room where artists rest after performances sits opposite the jury table, occupying roughly 475 square meters. An area on the dance floor offers a space for attendees to watch premieres up close, while the stands on the sides frame the overall viewing experience. The common area totals about 680 square meters, creating a vibrant hub for festival activity.
The first semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday at 22:30 and will be broadcast live by TVE. Acts include Lérica with Astronauta, Noan with I miss you, Sofia Coll with Here to Stay, You will see me, Miss Caffeina with Bla, blah, blah, Quique Niza with Prisionero, Angy Fernández with I know who I am, and Nebulossa with Zorra.
The second semi-final will follow on Thursday, February 1, in the same venue and time, bringing together eight additional contestants: María Peláe with Remitente, Dellacruz with Morning kiss, Marlena with Summer Love, Two Strangers featuring St. Peter, Jorge González with Caliente, Yoly Saa with I Don’t Forget, Roger Padrós with El temps, and Almácor with Brillos platino.
In the grand finale, set for Saturday, February 3, at 22:00, eight contestants from the two previous galas will compete, with the winner earning the right to represent Spain at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, scheduled for May 14–18, 2024.
Tapas in Benidorm
HE Tapas Fest is a culinary event running through February 4, featuring 21 participating venues. Organized by the Benidorm Bars, Restaurants, Cafes and Nightlife Association (ABRECA) in collaboration with the Generalitat, through L’Exquisit Mediterrani and Conhostur, the edition aims to surpass last year’s record of more than 1,800 tapas served in five days. The ambition is to establish Tapas Fest as a premier gastronomic occasion along the Costa Blanca.
Creative tapas weave together with musical moments from Benidorm Fest artists, from Vicco’s cava moment to Manolo Escobar’s Viva a España, and from Volare to the playful Barquito de Chanel, making each bite feel like a small tribute to the festival’s artistic vibe.