Benidorm’s enduring music story: festivals, venues, and legends

Julio Iglesias claimed victory at the Benidorm Song Festival in 1968, and life moved forward in a new direction for him. Just a few years earlier, in 1962, a 19-year-old Raphael won the Golden Little Mermaid award for his rendition. Both careers took off in a competition that began when Benidorm was emerging as a hub of tourism, a city buzzing with music as if it were part of its very DNA.

Is Benidorm the music capital of Spain? Opinions differ, yet no one can deny that the city’s atmosphere breathes music. Today Benidorm hosts a festival scene that covers indie acts, reggaeton, and flamenco, among other genres. The city’s musical life isn’t limited to large events; it also thrives in intimate venues where unknown artists perform, or where covers of major stars fill the rooms. Benidorm is home to María Jesus and her accordion and to the iconic Benidorm Palace, a place that embodies the city’s stylish, sometimes kitschy musical vibe. Traditional music, party anthems, and local groups all contribute to a diverse soundtrack for residents and visitors alike.

Benidorm’s homage to music

Benidorm’s deep connection with music is clear. With the second edition of Benidorm Fest, the city once again sparked conversations about its musical heritage as Spain selects its Eurovision contestant. Local artists note a special magic in the environment that inspires ongoing composition and creation. Sofia Martin, an Alicante-based artist who began writing recently after life experiences, cited the city as a muse. Others highlighted the effort to reinvent a festival that once brought joyous crowds but faded for a time. Today, the revived competition has drawn attention from well-known musicians who see it as a platform to perform.

Benidorm Fest’s Song Festival’s “wink” to the Golden Little Mermaid

The Benidorm Song Festival aimed to mirror the San Remo model of popular music. According to journalist Juan Díaz, in the summer of 1958 Benidorm, with a population around 5,000, welcomed over 18,000 vacationers. The town’s mayor, Pedro Zaragoza, sought to spotlight the city by launching a festival. In 1959, the Festival de la Canción de la Voz de Madrid took root in Benidorm and quickly became a success.

That era marked the start of a tradition. The Golden Mermaid awarded the winning song, and the festival ran with new momentum through the decades. The event continued with few interruptions from 1959 to 1978, paused in 1984, and then resumed from 1993 to 2006, only to yield to the rise of a new festival format. Eventually, Benidorm Fest took on a broader role in Spain’s musical landscape.

Benidorm Festival, the music event that launched the careers of young artists

The city’s appeal goes beyond tall buildings and sunny skies. Benidorm is a hub for festivals, boasting a calendar that includes Low Festival, founded in 2009 and rebranded to its current name in 2014 to attract youth. The three-day event showcases top indie acts from around the world while giving local talents a chance to shine. Performers such as Placebo, Love of Lesbian, Izal, and Alaska have graced the stage, alongside emerging groups. The festival scene provides a platform for new and established artists alike.

Benidorm Festival, the music event that launched the careers of young artists

Beyond major festivals, Benidorm cultivates a rich musical ecosystem. The city is known for its ever-expanding festival calendar and a strong tradition of live music. The Reggatón Beach Festival has become a yearly draw for rhythm lovers, and the Iberian Festival of pop and rock gathers fans each year. Autumn events, costume contests, and other celebrations add color to the city’s musical calendar, which also honors past decades and echoes of the 1990s through dedicated tributes. The world of Benidorm music extends to venues across the city, offering concerts in summer and throughout the year.

Local venues include the Julio Iglesias Auditorium, where acoustics fill the space with sound, and l’Aigüera Park, which hosts summer concerts for diverse audiences. Guillermo Amor Stadium has seen performances by major artists such as Alejandro Sanz, underscoring the city’s capacity to host large-scale acts alongside intimate shows. Even iconic moments, like a famous American artist choosing a local song for a memorable opening, reflect Benidorm’s unique musical character.

Did you know that Bruce Springsteen sang “Los pajaritos” with María Jesus and her accordion in Benidorm?

Benidorm also welcomes smaller acts who keep the musical flame alive. The English-speaking district, known as the Rincón de Loix, is a hub for intimate performances by up-and-coming artists who cover songs by stars such as Amy Winehouse or Elvis. This intimate scene thrives in bars and small venues, forming a steady thread through the city’s summer rhythms. The music scene here feels like a living tradition that continues to evolve.

The Benidorm Palace remains a symbol of the city’s musical past and present. This venue preserves the aura of classic music halls while continually updating its shows to fit a modern audience. It hosted recent events that connect Benidorm Fest with the city’s enduring love for music. Alaska, a beloved figure, has long helped anchor the Palace in local memory, making it one of the city’s cherished music temples.

Alaska: “It’s very smart to hold Benidorm Fest here, it’s a unique city”

The artist herself speaks to Benidorm’s strong musical identity. She notes that the city’s festival history, including the Benidorm Song Festival and lively street scenes, sets a benchmark for live music across the region. The local musical landscape is shaped by three core groups: Benidorm Musical Union, Societat Musical l’Illa, and Societat Musical La Nova. These ensembles teach young people the craft and contribute to cultural moments with traditional songs and performances. The sound of Xirimita i el tabalet remains a vivid thread in the city’s musical story. Festivals will continue to grow, and Benidorm Fest will keep expanding its reach. Could Benidorm truly be called the capital of music?