Benidorm's Fancy Dress Party draws 30,000 revellers in record celebration

A sea of costumes, music, and floats took over Benidorm's streets. See how this iconic event united revellers—and boosted local tourism.

, and Administrator

2026 March 29 . 1:03 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people in colorful costumes walking down a street, with a building in... — The image shows a group of people in colorful costumes walking down a street, with a building in the background featuring windows and a light pole. At the top of the image, there are decorative flags, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Benidorm's Fancy Dress Party draws 30,000 revellers in record celebration

Benidorm hosted its 31st annual Fancy Dress Party on November 13, drawing over 30,000 revellers to the Rincón de Loix area. The event, known as Europe's largest fancy dress celebration, followed the city's five-day patron saint festivities and featured themed parties, live music, and a vibrant float parade. The celebrations kicked off after Les Festes Majors Patronals, Benidorm's traditional patron saint festival. This year's festivities included fireworks to mark the end of the five-day event before transitioning into the Fancy Dress Party.

More than 50 venues across the city joined in, offering special promotions, themed parties, and music. A highlight was the float parade along Calle Gerona, where around 15 decorated floats, dance groups, and live performances entertained the crowds. Attendees came from 47 different countries, with British holidaymakers making up the majority. To manage the large crowds, traffic restrictions were enforced from midday, and 30 extra Local Police officers were deployed. Authorities also issued safety advice, urging partygoers to use public transport, stay hydrated, and respect security barriers. Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez and other local officials attended the event, which extended into the weekend. The extended schedule gave visitors more time to enjoy the city's lively atmosphere.

The Fancy Dress Party once again cemented its reputation as Europe's biggest fancy dress event. With thousands of participants, a diverse international crowd, and strict safety measures, the celebrations ran smoothly. The weekend-long festivities also provided a boost for local businesses and tourism in Benidorm.