What would it taste like? Green Room? Which materials suit a night light or perhaps a gift for him? Benidorm Fest isn’t just a renowned music event; it’s also a culinary journey that excites visitors’ palates. Tapas Fest gathers 21 venues that bring bold, surprising creations to the festival days, delighting European fans who travel to the city during this celebration.
The event marks its second edition after last year’s success and extends through February 4. Pairing music with food is a natural fit, especially when some dishes evoke memorable moments from Benidorm Fest, or from the festival’s predecessor, the Song Festival.
Followers of the festival, which will select Spain’s Eurovision hopeful, monitor every move and every bet for the grand final on Saturday. Yet amid the anticipation, there is always time to pause and savor the tapas crafted specifically for this televised occasion. Staff members note the brief lunch breaks they take to sample items from the list. One staffer tasted two and was genuinely impressed. Nearby, groups of festival attendees wearing Benidorm Fest bags eagerly await new bites, hoping to discover favorites.
So what flavors stand out this year? The offerings include avocado, octopus, sweet potato, fried calamari, brioche, marinated beef tenderloin, fresh vegetables, seafood, calamari burgers, quince and artichoke, black rice with mushrooms, local salted mousse, torreznos, chickpea ice cream, flaky pears, and fresh fish. Those exploring the circuit will learn how these ingredients harmonize in each dish.
The menu is eye-catching, with playful names such as Green Room with Mexican flavors or tapas inspired by Vicco, who attended last year’s Benidorm Festival, and others linked to classic artists such as Long live Spain by Manolo Escobar and references to Raphael (1962). Visitors and locals are invited to sample items with titles like I will fly, Chanel’s little boat, Eurovision Diva Life, Aphrodite, and Oh my mother. The creations also invite guests to enjoy Benidorm, Marchoso Roll, Salt, and more. The dialogue hints at the broader theme of Spain’s musical legacy threaded through the bites.
Not only the taste but also the presentation
A festival-goer who had already tried many dishes shared his impression: the presentation matched the quality of the covers, which impressed him. Another patron noted the contest as a wonderful idea. Nearby, two friends from Benidorm try a tapas round before dinner; though not avid followers of Benidorm Festival, they appreciate the culinary concept: I tried one, I will try more, says Rosana Santamaría.
This segment of Tapas Fest also aims to involve city residents, visitors, and travelers who attend the festival. Youth flock to the streets known for Basques, where several participating venues are located. A couple strolling with a map of the festival notes the novelty of the tapas, while a tourist comments that they will sample more as they explore.
Exceeding 2023 sales
Alex Fratini, vice president of Abreca, which organizes the competition with Conhostur and with the support of the City Council and the Generalitat Valenciana, notes expectations to surpass last year’s tapas figures. In 2023, around 1,800 tapas were served in five days. Fratini adds that a larger crowd on weekends should boost numbers, and emphasizes that the ambiance of music accompanying tastings motivates guests to linger and try more dishes.
The local scene is highlighted in the II Tapas Fest competition. Participating venues include Malaspina, Cervecería l’Abadia, Dni Ibéricos, El Bodegón, El lineage de Castilla, El Mesón, El Puerto, El Esturió, La Braseria Aurrerá, La Cava Aragonesa, La Marina Arrocería, La Tabernita del Sur, La Tapería Aurrerá, Los Peces, Mia Social Club, Molta Pasta, Pinocchio Playa, Pintxos Aurrerá, Taberna Andaluza, Tapería La Mina, and Zarzosa. The price per tapa remains 3 euros, inviting a broad audience to explore the culinary lineup while enjoying the festival atmosphere.