Benidorm commemorates the 285th anniversary of the discovery of its patroness saint, Virgin of Sufragio

Several hundred Benidorm residents joined the Virgin of Sofratge in the Alba procession this morning, on the 285th anniversary of her arrival in Benidorm. The processions gathered this Sunday, around 5:30 a.m., in front of the parish church of Sant Jaume i Santa Anna to commemorate the anniversary of her discovery, intact among the remains and ashes of a boat that flames had devoured.

To the rhythm of 'tabalet' and 'xirimita', and after various songs in her honor, the citizens welcomed the image of the patron saint at the doors of the church, flanked by the mayor of the city, Toni Pérez; the Councilor for Festivals, Mariló Cebreros; the queens of the 2025 Festes Majors Patronals, Paula Pascual and Aitana Pérez; the president of the Commission, Susana Martínez; the parish priest, Juan Antonio González; and the regional representatives José Ramón González de Zárate and Mario Villar, among many other participants. After the reception, the unusual tour began through the town's old town and the beaches of Levante, Poniente, and Mal Pas, always carried in the arms of its faithful.

The mayor, the parish priest, and the queens of the Festivals were the first bearers of the image, followed by the local councilor, the senior and junior ladies of 2025, the presidents of the Commission and Association, and other festival officials, before giving way to the rest of the participants in this moving Alba procession. Every few meters, a relay takes place. And so, step by step, the Virgin completed the different stages of the itinerary, during which several stops were made to pray Hail Marys and sing liturgical melodies, asking for her protection for the people of Benidorm.

After the tour, the image returned to the church to hear, once again this year, the traditional verse to the Virgin recited by Carmela Soria Martínez, after which the traditional Thanksgiving Mass was celebrated sung by the parish choir. Finally, the Commission for Major Patronal Festivals offered a breakfast of hot chocolate and pastries to all attendees at the end of the Eucharist.

The events commemorating the 285th anniversary of the Discovery continue today at 11:00 a.m. with a concert by the Benidorm Musical Union in commemoration of the 285th anniversary of the Discovery. The concert will take place in the Plaza Mayor and will serve as a tribute to Francisco Antón 'Picorro'. At noon, there will be a general ringing of the bells. At 7 p.m. this evening, a High Mass will be held in honor of the patron saint, presided over by the parish priest of the Church of Sant Jaume and Santa Anna, Juan Antonio González, and sung by the parish choir.