The Valencian government allocated one and a half million euros to Benidorm Festival for the third consecutive year, a decision that enjoys broad support from observers who track public funds. The event stretches beyond a single night, keeping Benidorm in prime-time national television for an entire week. Officials say the festival helps balance tourism throughout the year, injecting life into the local economy during the early February lull.
Benidorm Fest succeeds in a dual objective. It reconnects with the festival’s roots from the sixties, a period marked by the emergence of iconic voices and memorable performances. At the same time, it honors the vibrant LGBTQ+ community that has helped shape Benidorm into a destination alongside cities like Torremolinos and Sitges.
Following years of competition, the Eurovision Song Contest has transformed the selection process into a more public and festive experience. Benidorm carried the momentum as the host city for the previous edition, a choice aligned with the city’s long history of openness and reinvention. Urban planners and cultural historians have noted Benidorm for its distinctive vertical development and expansive green spaces, with some commentators even highlighting its status among notable urban projects. In this context, the festival is viewed as a meaningful cultural milestone that resonates with residents and visitors alike.
Whether audiences favor one candidate over another is a matter of personal taste, yet Benidorm Fest remains a meaningful gesture from the regional government and the national broadcaster. It represents a collaborative effort that acknowledges the value of Alicante and the broader Valencian community in Spain’s contemporary cultural landscape.