British tourists visiting Benidorm in November have been advised to pack a special item to avoid receiving “strange looks” during their stay. Lucy Young, known as the Benidorm Enthusiast, has cautioned travellers about the upcoming annual “fiesta patronal”, a lively week filled with parties, music, and parades in the popular coastal town. She emphasises that the festivities in Benidorm become particularly significant with the arrival of thousands of British and Irish visitors who participate in the celebrations. The fiesta is set to continue until November 13, with the day after holding a special tradition that tourists should take note of.
Following the fiesta, Sinatra’s bar in Benidorm hosts the British Fancy Dress Day as a gesture of appreciation to UK holidaymakers who join the Spanish locals in celebrating the November fiesta. The event started as a small gathering and has now grown into the largest fancy dress party in Europe, attracting tens of thousands of participants. The day features a giant paella cooked outside the bar and given away for free to those in fancy dress. With last year’s attendance reaching 40,000, this year’s turnout is expected to be even higher, around 50,000 people. Throughout the fiesta week, various bars in the new town also host giant paellas and free barbecues leading up to the grand British Fancy Dress Day.
The main event on Thursday includes stages, pop-up bars in the streets, a bar parade, and a vibrant street party. Lucy Young advises that not dressing up in fancy dress could lead to receiving odd looks from other attendees. Benidorm, a favourite spot for Brits, welcomed around 800,000 British tourists in 2023, comprising a significant portion of the total visitors. The British Fancy Dress Day tradition is believed to have originated in the 1990s and has since become a highlight for tourists visiting Benidorm in November.
In conclusion, Brits heading to Benidorm next month should be prepared to participate in the lively British Fancy Dress Day, where fun, costumes, and community spirit come together to create an unforgettable experience for visitors. The event reflects the unique blend of British and Spanish cultures in Benidorm, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to immerse themselves in festive celebrations and vibrant street parties.