The people of Benidorm illuminate the passage of the patroness saint with candles on her journey through the most central streets
Fervour in the Mare de Déu procession
The most central streets of Benidorm were illuminated this evening with the light of hundreds of candles to accompany the Mare de Déu del Sofratge in procession. In this way, the people of Benidorm have shown, once again, the fervor and devotion to their patron saint during this tour, which started at around 7:30 p.m. from the parish church of San Jaime and Santa Ana and for nearly two hours crossed many streets of the old town and a stretch of the Levante promenade.
Members of the Fiestas Commission and Dames' mothers dressed as 'manolas'; The Dames and Queens of the Festes Majors Patronals of 2023, Angélica Morenilla Such and Daniela Talavera Ventura, have taken prominent roles in the procession, as have those in charge of carrying the images of Sant Jaume and the Mare de Déu, 'Costalers' and 'Mariners', as well as the Virgins' Maids who are in charge throughout the year of taking care of the size of the patron saint; the parish priest of San Jaime and Santa Ana and other priests. Along with them, closing the parade, the authorities also participated, led by the mayor of Benidorm and president of the Provincial Council, Toni Pérez; Senator Agustín Almodóbar; the regional deputies José Ramón González de Zárate and Mario Villar; as well as numerous members of the Municipal Corporation, led by the Festival Councilor, Mariló Cebreros. On the festive level, the president of the Festival Committee and the 2023 Penyes Association, Vicente Solaz and Ramón Cano, respectively, have also participated in the first row of authorities.
Once the procession is over, and after putting on comfortable clothes and regaining their strength with a good dinner, festivalgoers and authorities will move again tonight to the Plaza de Sant Jaume to participate, starting at 11 p.m., in the singing of the traditional Copletes dedicated to the Mare de Déu. In them, in addition to the traditional singers, numerous representatives of the courts of honor are also expected to take the microphone to address the Virgin to the rhythm of thunder, xirimita, and the tabalet.
This Monday, Benidorm continues with the celebration of its Festes Majors Patronals, in this case, with a day dedicated to its patron saint, Sant Jaume Apòstol. Within the extensive program organized by the mayorals of the Festes Commission, the central events will be the High Mass, which will take place in the church of San Jaime and Santa Ana at 11:30 a.m.; the second mascletà of the Festivities, scheduled on Avenida de Jaime I for 2 p.m.; and the procession in honor of the Apostle, which will take place at 7:30 p.m. Likewise, other recreational and festive activities are planned, including children's theater, concerts and a nighttime mascletà, which will take place at 11:30 p.m. also on Avenida de Jaime