Benidorm Fest

If you've heard about it and want to know what Benidorm Fest is, you're in the right place. We're going to tell you what this festival is about, so you have a clearer idea of why it has become so popular and why it's the gateway to Eurovision for Spain.

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You can walk from your campsite Bungalow to Benidorm Fest…

What is Benidorm Fest

Does the famous San Remo Song Festival ring a bell? It's an event that has been held in the city of the same name, in Italy, since 1951. Not to be outdone, in 1959 the International Song Festival of Benidorm was born, seeking to promote Spanish tourism and the record industry through music.

Great artists who were just starting to make a name for themselves at the time performed there, such as Karina, Dúo Dinámico, Raphael and Julio Iglesias.

In the 1960s, this festival was a real success, but with the arrival of the 70s, criticism began over the declining quality of the songs presented, and so we come to 1980, the year in which the last edition took place.

In 1993 the festival came back to life, distinguishing between the light song and pop-rock categories, to better adapt to the new times and the tastes of younger audiences. After its 39th edition, in 1994 the festival came to an end once again, this time for good, or so it seemed.

But the spirit of this important musical event refuses to die and, for that reason, the International Song Festival of Benidorm was reborn in 2022 as the Benidorm Fest festival. And it did so with a huge boost: it became the way to choose the artist who represents Spain at Eurovision.

What makes this event special?

The festival has come back completely renewed and adapted to the times, and has become the platform for choosing who will get the chance to represent Spain at Eurovision. Since its return, it has managed to attract a huge and passionate fan base, the eurofans, who follow every edition very closely.

The media have once again picked up on the importance of this event, and both the semi-finals and the final are broadcast on television. In addition, the participation of emerging talents and well-known artists has raised the level and interest of the public in each edition.

New faces for Benidorm Fest

In the next edition, composer Nacho Cano will act as president of the jury. His expert vote will be vital when it comes to choosing the contender who will fight to win Eurovision, though he won't be the only member of the jury, as it will be made up of several professionals from the music industry.

The highlight is the presence of Mónica Naranjo as host of the galas, something the singer has officially confirmed. What isn't known yet is whether she will be on stage alone or with a co-host, as has happened in previous editions.

Where is Benidorm Fest held?

We're already warming up for the next edition. The festival is held in Benidorm (Alicante), as it could only be, and the semi-final and final galas take place at the Palau d'Esports l'Illa de Benidorm, a venue with capacity for several thousand spectators.

Eurovision Party at the Town Hall with Food Trucks

On Eurovision day, eurofans have a date at the Town Hall square to follow the event on the big screen. In 2024 it was held at the Town Hall with Food Trucks, at the event known as Tecnohito, and it's expected to be repeated in future editions.

When is Benidorm Fest held

If you're wondering when Benidorm Fest is, we can confirm that the dates are already official. The opening ceremony is held at the end of January. The first semi-final takes place a few days later, followed shortly after by the second semi-final, and the grand final closes the event on the last Saturday of the month.

Tickets usually go on sale from late October or early November, and prices range between 20 and 60 euros, depending on how many days you want to attend.

SEMI-FINALS: TUESDAY AND THURSDAY

In a 90-120 minute gala, 8 artists will perform in each semi-final, singing their songs with their corresponding staging. From the two galas, 4 finalists will emerge from each, without knowing in advance which songs will make it through, since that's what the show is all about.

How to vote at Benidorm Fest

The 2023 voting system caused some controversy among eurofans, leaving out some of the public's favourite artists.

For the 2023 edition the same voting system was kept, with one nuance. The winner is chosen 50% by jury vote (25% national jury and 25% international jury) and 50% by public vote (25% through the RTVE app and 25% by SMS and phone televoting).

• 50% Voto del Jurado, asignando cada miembro del jurado 12 / 10 / 8 / 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 puntos. El jurado está compuesto por 8 miembros, 5 internacionales y 3 nacionales. 456 puntos en total.
• 25% del Voto a través de la APP de RTVE, siendo gratuito y otorgando 40 / 35 / 30 / 28 / 25 / 22 / 20 / 15 / 13 puntos en bloque. 228 puntos en total.
• 25% del Voto con Televoto via SMS y llamadas telefónicas otorgando 40 / 35 / 30 / 28 / 25 / 22 / 20 / 15 / 13 puntos en bloque. 228 puntos en total.

• 50% Voto del Jurado, asignando cada miembro del jurado 12 / 10 / 8 / 7 / 6 / 5 / 4 / 3 / 2 puntos. El jurado está compuesto por 8 miembros, 5 internacionales y 3 nacionales. 432 puntos en total.
• 25% del Voto a través de la APP de RTVE, siendo gratuito y otorgando 40 / 35 / 30 / 28 / 25 / 22 / 20 / 16 puntos en bloque. 216 puntos en total.
• 25% del Voto con Televoto via SMS y llamadas telefónicas otorgando 40 / 35 / 30 / 28 / 25 / 22 / 20 / 16 puntos en bloque. 216 puntos en total.

• 2 SEMI-FINALS, with the best 4 out of 8 participants per gala qualifying:
• 1 FINAL, from the 8 best of the semi-finals:

PHONE NUMBER TO VOTE

Benidorm Fest Artists

List of Benidorm Fest song videos

Benidorm Fest 2025 Spotify list

Who took part in Benidorm Fest? Full alphabetical list

The participants who performed from 2022 to 2025 were the following:

Now you know what Benidorm Fest is, an event in which music is the real star, and from which the next song that triumphs at Eurovision could emerge. If you're a eurofan, this is an unmissable date, and if you're not one yet, this festival might just convert you. Book your stay at Camping Armanello and enjoy Benidorm Fest to the fullest, just a short walk from your accommodation.