A procession filled with faith and emotion pays homage to the patroness saint of Benidorm
The Virgin of Suffrage travels through the historic center surrounded by hundreds of faithful on one of the most emotional days of the Patron Saint Festivities
The city celebrates today, the day dedicated to its patron saint, Sant Jaume, with mass, a mascletà (fireworks display) and a procession in his honour
The historic centre of Benidorm overflowed with emotion on Sunday evening as the Mare de Déu del Sofratge (Our Lady of Sufragio) passed by. The traditional procession brought together hundreds of Benidorm residents who, carrying candles, accompanied their patron saint in a massive demonstration of faith and devotion that, once again, filled the heart of the city.
The procession departed, as usual, from the parish church of Sant Jaume and Santa Anna at 7:30 p.m., proceeding along Mayor Street, Alameda, Paseo de la Carretera, Parque de Elche, and Rey Jaime I Avenue before returning to the church.
Mayoralas, mothers of the ladies dressed in traditional Manola attire, the adult and children's courts of honour, and the queens of the 2025 Patron Saint Festivities, Paula Pascual and Aitana Pérez, played a leading role, as did the Costalers, Mariners, and Camareras, who are responsible for guarding the image of the Virgin throughout the year.
The procession was attended by the mayor, Toni Pérez, and the councillor for Festivals, Mariló Cebreros, along with other members of the municipal corporation and various authorities, including Senator Agustín Almodóbar, Director General Angélica Such, Regional Secretary Sebastián Fernández, and members of parliament José Ramón González de Zárate, Manuel Pérez Fenoll, and Mario Villar. Representing the festival organisers were the president of the Festival Committee, Susana Martínez, the president of the Association of Clubs, Jónathan López, and representatives of social groups.
At the end of the procession, with the image returning to the church packed with worshippers, the Salve Marinera was sung, and the traditional Estampeta de la Mare de Déu del Sofratge (fireworks display of Our Lady of Sufragio) was lit in Sant Jaume Square. As night fell, the Copletes (traditional songs) dedicated to the patron saint of Benidorm were sung, accompanied by the sounds of thunder, xirimita (a type of flute), and tabalet (a small drum).
Benidorm continues its celebrations today, Monday, in honour of its patron saint, Sant Jaume. Among the main events are the High Mass, which will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. in the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana; the second mascletà (firecracker display) of the festivities, at 2:00 p.m. on Jaime I Avenue; and the procession in honour of the Apostle, scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
