Benidorm, Spain — The coastal city of Benidorm will come alive with a heartfelt tribute to the Virgen del Carmen, the revered patron saint of sailors and fishermen. As July 16 draws near every year, mariners and their families unite with residents and tourists in a deeply rooted celebration that blends faith, folklore, and seafaring traditions.
At the heart of the festivities is a powerful symbol: the Virgen del Carmen, (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), whose image is lovingly carried through the streets in a solemn procession before being placed on a flower-decked boat and paraded across the sea. This maritime procession, accompanied by a flotilla of fishing vessels and recreational boats, draws thousands of spectators to the shores, balconies, and waterfront promenades.
The Virgen del Carmen is more than a religious figure — she is a protector of mariners, invoked by generations of coastal families. The sea has shaped Benidorm's identity for centuries, and the devotion to the Virgin is a living legacy of the town’s once-thriving fishing community. “We may be a modern tourist city now, but our roots are in the sea,” said Vicente Llorca, a retired fisherman whose family has participated in the celebration for over a century. “This isn’t just about religion — it’s about memory, gratitude, and asking for calm waters.”
Festivities begin with a Mass in the Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, perched above the old town with panoramic views of the Mediterranean. From there, a statue of the Virgen del Carmen is carried down narrow cobblestone streets to the harbour, accompanied by traditional music and the scent of incense. As evening approaches, boats bearing flags, flowers, and flickering candles set out onto the water. The boat carrying the Virgin’s, led by the town’s veteran mariners, sails across the bay, pausing for a moment of silence to honour those lost at sea, where wreaths are cast into the water, and flares light up the sky in a moving tribute.
It is a magical scene with children waving from the shore while elders bless themselves, echoing a ritual passed from generation to generation.
Although the fishing industry has diminished in Benidorm, associations like the Cofradía de Pescadores (Brotherhood of Fishermen) continue to maintain maritime customs and traditions. Young participants are taught songs, knot-tying, and the stories behind each tradition, ensuring the heritage remains alive.
Municipal authorities, too, invest in the preservation of these customs, recognising their importance to Benidorm’s cultural identity. “This is not just folklore,” said Councillor for Culture María Pérez. “This is history, living in the present.”
The Virgen del Carmen festivities are unique in their power to unify — across ages, occupations, and beliefs. In a city known for its vibrant nightlife and high-rise skyline, the celebration is a grounding moment that connects Benidorm to its past.
As the boats return to port and the music fades into the night, the message is clear: the sea still speaks, and Benidorm listens.
