Benidorm is much more than a tourist paradise filled with skyscrapers and sunny beaches; it’s a city with a deep soul, shaped by centuries of history and rooted traditions that often go unnoticed amidst the camera flashes and the hustle and bustle of tourists. Behind its vibrant modern facade lies an ancient legacy that tells the story of brave fishermen, religious legends, and a rural life that once dominated this corner of the Mediterranean. For those who venture into its heart, Benidorm reveals a lesser-known, yet equally fascinating side, where tradition and modernity are uniquely intertwined. Stay and discover with us the history and tradition of Benidorm.
Historia y tradición de Benidorm, puntos clave
1. Origins and Foundation
The history of Benidorm dates back to the time of the Iberians and Romans, though it was officially founded as a town in 1325 by Admiral Bernat de Sarrià under the reign of James II of Aragon. For centuries, Benidorm remained a modest fishing village, focused on maritime activities and fishing, especially tuna, which was one of its main economic sources.
2. Fishing and the “Almadraba”
One of Benidorm’s most important traditions was the practice of “almadraba,” a fishing method used to catch tuna as they migrated through the Mediterranean. This fishing system was crucial to the town’s economy until the mid-20th century. The Almadraba of Benidorm peaked in the 18th and 19th centuries, and fishing families would spend months at sea during the fishing season. Although the almadraba has disappeared today, it remains an essential part of the city’s historical memory.
3. The Virgin of the Suffrage
One of Benidorm’s most cherished and deep-rooted traditions is the devotion to the Virgin of the Suffrage, the town’s patron saint. According to legend, in 1740, a burning ship appeared off the coast of Benidorm, which was towed ashore by fishermen. Fearing the ship might carry disease, the authorities decided to burn it. However, inside the vessel, they found an intact image of the Virgin, which was considered miraculous. Since then, the Virgin of the Suffrage has been the town’s patron, and every year on March 16, a grand celebration is held in her honor, the Fiesta Mayor Patronal.
4. Traditional Festivals
In addition to the Fiesta Mayor in honor of the Virgin of the Suffrage, Benidorm celebrates other festivals that reflect its historical and cultural identity:
- Moors and Christians Festival: This festivity, common in many towns of the Valencian Community, is celebrated at the end of September. The “comparsas” of Moors and Christians recreate the battles between the two sides, accompanied by music, parades, and fireworks. These festivities symbolize the medieval past of the region and its connection to the conflicts between Muslims and Christians.
- Benidorm’s Fallas: Although the Fallas are more famous in Valencia, Benidorm also participates in this tradition. In March, large cardboard sculptures, known as “ninots,” are placed in the streets, and at the end of the celebration, they are burned in a grand bonfire.
5. Agricultural Culture
Before the tourism boom, Benidorm also had a significant agricultural tradition, particularly in the cultivation of almond trees, olive trees, and citrus fruits. Rural life, with its masías (farmhouses), shaped the economy and landscape of the region. Today, although tourism prevails, the agricultural culture remains alive in the customs and lifestyle of some of the town’s older residents.
6. Tourism Transformation
In the mid-20th century, Benidorm underwent a radical transformation. Under the leadership of Mayor Pedro Zaragoza Orts, the city embraced a policy that favored tourism development. Starting in the 1950s, hotels and skyscrapers began to be built, turning Benidorm into a model for sun and beach tourism. Zaragoza is also remembered for allowing the use of bikinis on Benidorm’s beaches, a controversial move in Spain at the time, under Franco’s dictatorship.
7. Local Gastronomy
Although tourism has introduced a wide variety of cuisines, Benidorm’s traditional gastronomy is rooted in local products and the Mediterranean diet. The most typical dishes include:
- Arroz a banda: A rice dish cooked in fish broth, served with fish and seafood.
- Cocas: A type of savory flatbread that can be topped with vegetables, anchovies, or cold cuts.
- Suquet de peix: A fish stew, typical of fishing areas.
8. The Old Town and Its Charm
Despite modernization, Benidorm’s old town retains the charm of a Mediterranean village. Its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, dating back to the 18th century, offer a glimpse into the past. From the “Balcón del Mediterráneo,” a beautiful plaza overlooking the sea, visitors can enjoy panoramic views that contrast with the city’s modern skyscrapers.
9. Connection with the Sea
Benidorm’s relationship with the sea remains one of the most important aspects of its history. The sea has shaped its economy, traditions, and culture. Although fishing has diminished in importance compared to tourism, the sea remains the soul of the city. The Bay of Benidorm, with its two main beaches (Levante and Poniente), continues to be its greatest natural attraction.
10. The Other Side of Benidorm
Today, Benidorm is famous for its nightlife, mass tourism, and towering skyscrapers, but those seeking its more traditional side can find it in the old town, its religious and popular festivals, and the memories of its past as a fishing village. The coexistence of modernity and tradition is part of what makes this city unique.
In conclusion, while Benidorm is widely known as a modern tourist destination, behind its skyline of skyscrapers and beaches lies a rich history rooted in maritime traditions, popular festivals, and a deep connection with the Mediterranean that remains alive in its culture. History and tradition in Benidorm will always go hand in hand.
