Benissa, perched between the mountains and the Mediterranean on Spain’s Costa Blanca, is a place where tradition lives and breathes. Throughout the year, the town pulses with energy as festivals take over its streets, squares, and rural landscapes. From elaborate historical reenactments to small neighbourhood celebrations, every event tells a story of community, heritage, and joy.
Planning your trip to coincide with these festivities is one of the most rewarding ways to experience Benissa. From grand parades and historical reenactments to intimate neighbourhood gatherings, Benissa’s celebrations offer a vivid insight into local life. You can see the full official programme on the official Benissa festivals guide. And to make the most of your stay, choosing the right base is key—whether that’s a central apartment in Benissa, a charming house in a quiet street, or a spacious villa with panoramic views.
January – Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni & Medieval Market
Benissa’s festival calendar begins with the Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni, held every January. For locals, this event is part tradition, part social gathering, and part marketplace. The streets come alive with artisan stalls, food vendors, and live performances.
A highlight of the celebration is the Medieval Market, where the town’s historic centre transforms into a scene from centuries past. Wooden stalls draped in colourful fabrics line the streets, blacksmiths display their craft, and bakers sell rustic breads still warm from the oven. The smell of roasted meats mixes with the sound of traditional music, and there’s a sense that the whole town is part of the show.
To fully enjoy the atmosphere, it’s worth staying close to the action. A centrally located holiday rental in Benissa means you can explore the fair during the day, return home for a rest, and head back out for the evening entertainment without worrying about transport.
April – Puríssima Xiqueta: Patron Saint Festivities
From late April to early May, Benissa celebrates its most important event: the Puríssima Xiqueta festival. This is a week-long tribute to the town’s patron saint, blending religious devotion with an explosion of popular festivities.
The mornings are solemn—processions wind through the streets, floral offerings fill the air with scent, and church bells ring out across the valley. By afternoon, the tone changes: brass bands lead colourful parades, the main square becomes a stage for concerts, and the night skies light up with fireworks.
For visitors, it’s an immersive cultural experience. You’ll see locals dressed in traditional attire, join communal meals where strangers become friends, and taste regional dishes prepared for the occasion. Staying in a Benissa apartment during this time keeps you close to the heart of the festivities.
June – Moors and Christians
In late June, Benissa hosts one of the most visually spectacular events of the year: the Moors and Christians festival. This vibrant celebration commemorates the historical battles between the two cultures during medieval times, combining pageantry, music, and theatre.
The parades are breathtaking. Costumed “armies” march through the streets—Moors in flowing robes and turbans, Christians in armour and helmets—accompanied by musicians and dancers. Theatrical “embassies” are staged, mock battles take place, and the celebrations often end with a fireworks display over the town.
If you’re visiting with a group, a villa in Benissa is a perfect choice, offering space to relax during the day and easy access to the evening events.
Summer – Fiestas in Barrios and Rural Partidas
One of Benissa’s most charming traditions is the series of fiestas held in its neighbourhoods and rural districts (partidas). Spread throughout the summer months, these smaller celebrations honour local saints or historical milestones, and they offer an authentic glimpse into the town’s community life.
Each barrio or partida adds its own flavour to the festivities. In Benimarco, you might find a small religious procession followed by an outdoor dance and a giant paella cooked in the square. In La Pedrera, a foam party for the children might be followed by a barbecue and live music. Other districts host competitions, craft fairs, or even open-air cinema nights.
The beauty of these events is their intimacy. Everyone is welcome, and visitors are often invited to join the communal meals. Staying in a house in Benissa during the summer makes it easy to explore these smaller fiestas, each offering its own character and charm.
July to Mid-September – Viu l’Estiu: Summer Culture in the Streets
From early July to mid-September, Benissa embraces summer with Viu l’Estiu (“Live the Summer”), a cultural programme that fills the season with concerts, art exhibitions, guided night walks, and open-air cinema. Events take place across the old town, the coastal area, and even in rural settings, creating opportunities to explore the municipality in different ways.
Imagine watching a film under the stars in the town square, joining a guided walk along the coastal path at sunset, or attending a jazz concert in a centuries-old plaza. This is Benissa’s summer at its most vibrant, blending culture, leisure, and community spirit.
September – Benissa en Corto: Short Film Festival
September brings a touch of glamour to Benissa with the Benissa en Corto short film festival. Launched recently, it has already attracted hundreds of international entries and offers several days of screenings, workshops, and red-carpet events.
Films are shown in a variety of venues, from modern theatres to open-air spaces. The warm evenings and friendly atmosphere make it an accessible and enjoyable festival for both cinema lovers and casual visitors.
If you plan to attend, a centrally located apartment in Benissa will let you walk to late-night screenings and return home at your own pace.
Late September (Biennial) – Biennial Festival of Culture
Every two years, Benissa hosts the Biennial Festival of Culture, a weekend-long celebration of diversity. Stalls representing countries from around the world fill the streets with food, music, crafts, and dance.
You might start your day with a Mexican breakfast taco, learn an Irish folk dance in the afternoon, and end the night with a taste of Japanese sake. It’s a feast for the senses and a joyful exchange of traditions, perfect for travellers who love to explore new cultures without leaving town.
Choosing a central holiday rental in Benissa will put you within walking distance of all the main performances and food stalls.
Tips for Enjoying Benissa’s Festivals
Book early: Accommodation can fill quickly for major events like Puríssima Xiqueta and Moors and Christians.
Blend big and small: Experience a major festival, but also make time for one or two neighbourhood fiestas.
Stay local: Opt for a base within walking distance of the main square to make the most of late-night events.
Join in: Don’t just watch—share a communal meal, learn a local dance, and talk to residents.
Benissa’s festivals are more than dates on a calendar—they are living expressions of its identity. Whether you’re drawn by the grandeur of Moors and Christians, the heartfelt devotion of Puríssima Xiqueta, or the warmth of a neighbourhood gathering, you’ll find yourself welcomed into a community that knows how to celebrate. And when you return to your apartment, house, or villa after a night of festivities, you’ll understand why Benissa’s celebrations are unforgettable.
