If there was ever any doubt that Benidorm knows how to throw a party, today certainly put that to rest! British Fancy Dress Day bought its usual dose of colour, chaos and carnival spirit to the streets, with thousands turning out to enjoy one of the biggest days in Benidorm´s calendar.
Centred around the Rincon de Loix, calle Gerona and the surrounding streets were closed to traffic, giving revellers free rein to celebrate in true Benidorm style.... and what a spectacle it was!
The fancy dress was as wonderfully eclectic as ever, with sailors rubbing shoulders with can-can girl, police officers, cowboys and just about every other character imaginable. There was no shortage of imagination, outrageous outfits. and plenty of laughter.
The weather certainly played its part too. A vivid bue sky and glorious sunshine meant the sun was blasting. down while the music boomed from the bars, the beer flowed freely and the party atmosphere spread from street to street.
Mid afternoon saw a spectacular parade featuring eleven floats representing hotel, bar and entertainment groups, with dance troupes, performers and entertainers intermingling inbetween, all keen to showcase their sponsors.
It was a colourful processions although quite a few big gaps meaning spectators then went back into the street to find another float trying to push through... lesson for next year perhaps!
According to town hall figures, more than 30,000 people attended this year´s celebrations, a figure similar to last year. Personally I felt crowds were perhaps a little lighter but there were certainly enormous concentrations rather than one continuous sea of people.
But numbers aside, there was no denying that everyone was having a fantasic time. The atmosphere was infectuous, the costumes were brilliant and the streets alive with music, dancing and laughter. One thing is certain: there will be planty of sore heads, aching feet and tales to tell tomorrow!
One thing I did notice this year walking up and down... the number of people that bought their own drinks with them! I saw many with coolbags, taking out bottles of vodka and cartons of orange juice - obviously looking after the pennies as a litre at the local shop is only around 7-8€
