The Old Town was a riot of colour and music this evening (Saturday 18th) as the annual Carnival parade took place in Benidorm, celebrating the beginning of Lent and always held on the Saturday before Ash Wednesday. 

The procession started at the top end of Calle Ruzafa at 9pm, finishing in the Town Hall square where a panel of judges marked each group – with prize money going to the winners.... and a fair wad of cash too, so certainly worth putting some effort in!

The entire route leading up to the Town Hall was awash with spectators, both locals and tourists, jostling for pole position to see the amazing procession. Massive speakers had been erected at intervals and the volume of the beat could be felt through the pavement!

There was an array of themes and some great costumes making for a great carnival atmosphere and the partying continued well into the early hours of the morning.The children´s parade took place earlier in the day, although some accompanied their parents this evening too. 

On Tuesday 21st, the "Burial of the Sardine" will take place. The procession will pass through the Old Town down to the Poniente Beach where the “sardine” is ceremoniously buried on the beach to signal the start of Lent and will be followed by a fire work display.