The colourful and vibrant parade took place on Saturday afternoon, the highlight of Benidorm Pride for many - especially the spectators. An estimated 400 participants dressed up in a variety of eye catching and flamboyant costumes – some leaving very little to the imagination! Cars, vans and lorries were converted into floats and mobile sound studios, blasting out music to add to the carnival like atmosphere.

Everyone started gathering in the Rincon shortly after 4pm, adding finishing touches to the costumes and vehicles – ready for the planned 5pm start from the top end of Levante beach. The police shut the promenade to traffic to allow the procession through and both sides were packed with spectators, cheering and waving as they passed. Even the local police looked on in amusement, already hardened to outrageous outfits worn by the numerous visiting stag and hens to the resort.

The afternoon was somewhat overcast and at one point started to drizzle, but its certainly didn´t dampen the spirits of those taking part. All the bars along the promenade were packed and as the procession passed by, the all stood and waved. Many in the crowds ran into the road wanting pictures and selfies, especially with those wearing the more risqué and daring outfits.

The route went along the Levante front up to the Avd Europa before turning onto the Avd Mediterraneo and on towards the Town Hall Square. Everyone then headed to the Julio Iglesias Auditorium in the park behind for a night of entertainment with some of Benidorm´s finest entertainers – a great way to end another successful Benidorm Pride.

A huge well done to all the organisers and support from the council – bet you´re already buzzing with ideas for next year. It is a growing and important event for the resort and the Town Hall estimates that over the course of the Pride week, around 10,000 people came to Benidorm.

 

This has a huge positive impact for businesses here – from hotels to bars and restaurants, all benefiting from the extra footfall and spending which the event attracted.
The next big event for the Brits is British Fancy Dress Day, which takes place on Thursday 12 November, the day after the end of the Benidorm fiestas – maybe some of those costumes could be re-used!