Patron Saint Festivities in honor of the Puríssima Xiqueta
20/04/2024, 26/04/2024 until 05/05/2024
SATURDAY THE 20TH OF APRIL. PROCLAMATION DAY
6.00 p.m. Parade of festeras and festeros (festival goers) accompanied by the Pere Bigot band, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, the Santa María Magdalena del Poble Nou de Benitatxell municipal music group, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
05.00 p.m. Vespers.
8:00 p.m. Proclamation of the Festivities in the Basilica, by Quico Torres. This will be followed by the singing of the Hymn to the Puríssima Xiqueta and the Hymn of Benissa, accompanied by the band of the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society and the Benissenca choir.
23.45 a.m. First Chupinazo (rocket launch) announcing the opening of the festivities from the town hall of Benissa.
12.00 a.m. Performance of the fabulous MATRIX orchestra at the Paseo Dolores Piera, followed by a performance by DJ Pablo Peralta
01.00 to 04.30 a.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
SUNDAY THE 21ST OF APRIL.
11.15 a.m. Semifinals of the Alicante regional government escala i corda trophy.
1.00 p.m. Game of women’s "Raspall èlit".
THURSDAY THE 25TH OF APRIL. 25 D ́ABRIL LITERARY AWARDS AND 2024 SALVADOR SORIA-VILA DE BENISSA PAINTING CONTEST
8 p.m. Award ceremony for the "25 d'abril" Literary Awards and the 2024 S. Soria - Vila de Benissa 2024 Painting Contest.
Presentation of the winning works of the 2023 edition. At the Centre d'Art Taller d'Ivars.
9 p.m. Inauguration of the exhibition of the S. Soria - Vila de Benissa 2024 Painting Contest. At the Centre d'Art Taller d'Ivars.
10.30 p.m. Parade of the festeras and festeros (festival goers) to visit the decorated streets, accompanied by the L'Espardenya brass band.
FRIDAY THE 26TH OF APRIL. CORONATION DAY
8.00 p.m. Parade of the festeras and festeros (festival goers) accompanied by the Colla el Riberer, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaranga l’Elèctrika, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
9.45 p.m. Gathering of authorities and representatives of the festivities of the neighbouring towns in the Plaza del Portal.
10.30 p.m. Coronation Ceremony of the Children's Queen, Diana Vengut Crespo, presented by Martina Mendoza Ivars, Matt Mille Jiménez and Alicia Coll Escrivá, and the Adult Queens, Joseline Eras Quinde and Núria Ivars Fernández, presented by Miguel Rivera Torres and Carlos Giner Font, with live music by Margarita Bargay, winner of Benissa Canta, on the Paseo Dolores Piera.
At the end of the Coronation, the festivities will continue with the magnificent Flama orchestra, on the Paseo Joaquín Piera y Mariana Torres.
01.00 to 04.30 a.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
SATURDAY THE 27TH OF APRIL. DAY OF THE OFFERING
08.30h a.m. Discovery and Sabatina in honour of our patron saint, the Puríssima Xiqueta.
11.00h a.m. Maxi-park with a children's section (up to 8 years old) in Plaza Jaume I and a youth section (ages 8 and above) in the Paseo Dolores Piera.
1.00 p.m. Entrà de la murta (procession along streets strewn with myrtle) with the collaboration of the Cavallistes i Carreters association, accompanied by the Colla El Riberer and the band of the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
6:00 p.m. Gathering of the participants in the offering of flowers in the Plaza del Convento, to begin the parade to the Basilica, accompanied by the L'Esbart Dansaire dance group, which will perform during the parade to the square, and the Colla Pere Bigot.
6:00 p.m. Parade of the festeras and festeros (festival goers) accompanied by the Colla el Riberer, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaranga l’Elèctrika, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, the Santa María Magdalena del Poble Nou de Benitatxell municipal music group, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
6.30 p.m. Evening Mass and ringing of bells.
7:00 p.m. Offering of flowers to the Puríssima Xiqueta on the main façade of the Basilica accompanied by the "Muixeranga de Cullera". This will be followed by the awarding of medals to the festeras and festeros (festival goers) inside the Basilica.
NOTE: Participants are kindly reminded that anyone wishing to participate in the offering must wear traditional Benissera clothing. Furthermore, to avoid crowding, a maximum of one adult may accompany every child participating in the event.
10:00 p.m. Performance by Grupo La Trampa at the Paseo Dolores Piera.
12.00 a.m. Great immersive fire show by Pirotecnia Vulcano on the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres. We recommend that attendants wishing to get a good view of the show watch it from C/ Teulada and the ground floor of the Iberia estate.
00.15 a.m. Grand performance by Locos de Atar at the Paseo Dolores Piera. Subsequently, the festivities will continue with the orchestra La Fiesta.
01.00 to 04.30 a.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
SUNDAY THE 28TH OF APRIL. DAY OF THE PURÍSSIMA
08.00 a.m. “Despertà” (wakeup call), general ringing of bells and parade of the music bands. With the collaboration of Coeters de la Puríssima.
09.00 a.m. Low mass.
10.00 a.m. Parade of festeras, festeros, clavariesas and mayorales (festival goers and guild members) accompanied by the Colla Pere Bigot, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaranga l’Elèctrika, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
11.30 a.m. Solemn Mass and sermon in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta officiated by His Excellency, the Rev. Archbishop Enrique Benavent Vidal of the diocese of Valencia. The Mass will be sung by the Benissenca Choir, accompanied by the organist Josep Ortolà Font, under the direction of Javier Santacreu Cabrera. They will perform Regina Coeli K108, first mov. by W. A. Mozart Kyrie and Gloria, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, by W. A. Mozart, Alleluia, by W. A. Mozart Offertorium: Ave verum corpus, by W. A. Mozart, Sanctus, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, by W. A. Mozart Agnus Dei, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, by W. A. Mozart.
The Mass will be followed by a visit to the San Joaquin and Santa Ana Nursing Home.
2:00 p.m. Digital "Macromascletà" by the Vulcano pyrotechnics company, on Passeig Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres. We kindly ask the public to follow the instructions of security personnel to avoid incidents.
7:00 p.m. Low mass and lowering of the Image of the Patron Saint.
This is followed by a Solemn Procession in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta with the firing of 21 honour salutes at the exit, the entrance of our Patron Saint to the Basilica, and the ascent of the Image to its shrine.
The event will be followed by the "Video Mapping with Pyrotechnics" show, which will be projected on the façade of the Basilica to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Puríssima Xiqueta to Benissa. We kindly advise attendants wishing to enjoy it to the fullest to watch it from the Paseo Dolores Piera.
00.30 a.m. Performance of the fabulous Tribute to Luis Miguel followed by a mobile disco on the Paseo Dolores Piera.
01.30 a.m. The tribute to Luis Miguel will be followed by a Homage to ancient bonfires with a Cordà located on Passeig Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
MONDAY THE 29TH OF APRIL. DAY OF THE RIBERER
08.00 a.m. “Despertà” (wakeup call), general ringing of bells and parade of the music bands. With the collaboration of the Coeters de la Puríssima.
09.00 a.m. Low mass.
10.00 a.m. Parade of festeras, festeros, clavariesas and mayorales (festival goers and guild members) accompanied by the Colla el Riberer, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaranga l’Elèctrika, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
11.30 a.m. Solemn mass and sermon in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta officiated by Edgar Esteve, Diocesan Delegate for Liturgy and Professor of Theology at the Faculty of Theology of Valencia. The Mass will be sung by the Benissenca Choir, accompanied by the organist Josep Ortolà Font, under the direction of Javier Santacreu Cabrera. They will perform "Heaven Tells the Glory of God" by M. Frisina, Kyrie and Gloria, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, by W. A. Mozart, Aleluia from the Offertorium by W. A. Mozart, Ave verum, by K. Jenkins Sanctus, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, from W. A. Mozart Agnus Dei, from the Misa brevis in C major KV259, by W. A. Mozart.
1:00 p.m. Offering of flowers to the monument to the Riberer and tribute to the riberers Andrés Lepoire, Juan Nave Femenía, Jose Santacreu Pérez, Juan Serra Ortola and to the deceased riberers José Cardona Cabrera, José Bertomeu Más, Jaume Ferrer Ferrer. Opening speech by Jaume Cardona Martínez.
2:00 p.m. "Mascletà" by Pirotecnia Vulcano on Passeig Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres. We kindly ask the public to follow the instructions of security personnel to avoid incidents.
6.30 p.m. Humorous parade of those born between 2023 and 2012 followed by the parade of floats by the festivalgoers with the accompaniment of the Xaranga l'Elèctrika, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, the Xaranga l'Espardenya, and with an itinerant show by Nutcracks.
Once the parade reaches the square, there will be a large-scale chocolate tasting distributed by the Benissa Association Against Cancer.
Award ceremony for the best children's costumes and decorated streets.
At the end of the event, a performance of the fabulous Nunca Nunca, el rescate de Campanilla musical show will be held for children on the Paseo Dolores Piera.
00.00 a.m. Traditional Singing of the Salve to the Puríssima Xiqueta in the former house of Juan Vives, in Calle de la Puríssima, accompanied by the band of the Benissa Lyrical and Musical SOciety under the direction of Miguel Ángel Grau Martínez. Firecrackers will be fired at the end.
00.30 a.m. Nighttime "Mascletà" by Pirotecnia Vulcano on Passeig Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
01.00 a.m. Delivery of the wand of office of the Mayor of Benissa, Arturo Poquet Ribes, to the 2024 Mayors dels Fadrins (bachelors’ mayors), Toni Muñoz Ivars and Diego García Bolufer.
This will be followed by a performance by the orchestra La Tribu, and the festivities will end with a mobile disco.
01.00 to 04.30 a.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
TUESDAY THE 30TH OF APRIL. BACHELORS’ DAY
10.30 a.m. Children's despertà (wakeup call). The children will gather at the door of the Basilica where the parade will begin.
11.00 a.m. Maxi-park with a children's section (up to 8 years old) in Plaza Jaume I and a youth section (ages 8 and above) in the Paseo Dolores Piera.
1:00 p.m. Popular lunch at the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres, enlivened by the L'Espardenya brass band and the l'Elèctrika brass band.
5:00 p.m. Humorous parade with the participation of the public, and music by the L ́Espardenya and l'Elèctrika brass bands. The meeting point will be at the intersection of Bilbao and San José streets at 4.30 p.m.
During the break in the music, prizes will be awarded to the best costumes.
6:00 p.m. Shadow Orchestra on the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
11.00 p.m. Rock Night at the Paseo Dolores Piera with performances by Vaire, Auxili and Dj Trapella.
11.00 p.m. to 04.00 a.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
WEDNESDAY THE 1ST OF MAY. BULL DISPLAYS
10.30 a.m. Children's despertà (wakeup call). The children will gather at the door of the Basilica where the parade will begin.
11.00 a.m. Carretones (bull-drawn carts) on Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
12.00 p.m. Performance of the children's show La Bruja Eloise.
4.00 p.m. Madre Selva Orchestra on the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
6.00 p.m. Music and dance at the Bèrnia Social Centre with Francisco Escoda.
6.30 p.m. Entrance of the cows from the La Hermandad cattle ranch, sponsored by Cristalería Benissa.
7.00 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the Benavent cattle ranch.
11.00 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the La Hermandad cattle ranch.
THURSDAY THE 2ND OF MAY. BULL DISPLAYS
4.00 p.m. Afternoon of music and dance at the San Joaquín and Santa Ana Nursing Home, enlivened by Francisco Escoda.
6.30 p.m. Entrance of 10 bulls from the La Paloma ranch, sponsored by a festero from '82.
7.00 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the La Paloma cattle ranch.
11.00 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the Benavent cattle ranch.
FRIDAY THE 3RD OF MAY. BULL DISPLAYS
6.30 p.m. Great entrance of horses and male mules from the Benavent cattle ranch, sponsored by Fusta Benissa. Start from the intersection of C/ Valencia and Avenida País Valencià, going along Avenida País Valencia to C/ Nou and entrance to Plaza Rei Jaume I.
6.30 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the Els Coves cattle ranch.
7.00 p.m. Entrance of cows and bulls from the la Templanza cattle ranch, sponsored by an anonymous person.
11.00 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the La Paloma cattle ranch.
12.00 a.m. Spectacular S.O.S Mobile Disco on Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
SATURDAY THE 4TH OF MAY. DAY OF LES ANYADES (VINTAGES DAY)
8.00 a.m Release of steers for the youngest of the La Templanza cattle ranch on the Dolores Piera promenade. We remind you that only those over 16 years of age can access the arenas.
11.00 a.m. Entrance of inflatable bulls followed by carretones (bull-drawn carts).
12.00 p.m. Gathering of the Anyades on the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres, enlivened by the L'Espardenya brass band.
2.00 p.m. Giant paella on the Paseo Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres, sponsored by the Casa Boira Supermarket and enlivened by the L'Espardenya brass band.
5.00 p.m. Afternoon of dancing and partying with a magnificent performance by King Africa followed by the spectacular Monaco Party orchestra.
6.00 p.m. Music and dance at the Bèrnia Social Centre enlivened by Francisco Escoda, with chocolate and muffins.
7.00 p.m. to 9.30 p.m. Release of cows and bulls from the Els Coves cattle ranch.
11.00 p.m. The best Remenber by José Conca and the Puzzle Twins
6.00 to 19.00 p.m. “Purple point” safe spaces.
SUNDAY THE 5TH OF MAY. VUITÀ DAY
08.00 a.m. “Despertà” (wakeup call), general ringing of bells and parade of the music bands. With the collaboration of the Coeters de la Puríssima.
09.00 a.m. Low mass.
10.00 a.m. Parade of festeras, festeros, clavariesas and mayorales (festival goers and guild members) accompanied by the Colla Pere Bigot, the Xàbia artistic musical centre, the Xaranga l’Elèctrika, the Xaló festival music group, the Xaranga Garanxa, the Bataclán Xaló musical association, the l’Illa de Benidorm musical society, and the Benissa Lyrical and Musical Society.
11.30 a.m. Solemn mass and sermon in honour of the Puríssima Xiqueta presided over by the Priest of our Basilica, Mr Salvador Cebolla i Marrades, and sung by the Puríssima Xiqueta Polyphonic Choir.
At the end of the mass, there will be a parade of clavariesas and mayorales accompanied by music bands.
2.00 p.m. "Mascletà" by the Vulcano pyrotechnics company on Passeig Joaquín Piera and Mariana Torres.
6.30 p.m. General procession commemorating the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Puríssima Xiqueta
8:00 p.m. At the end of the Procession, the party ends with the performance The Talent.
NOTE: The Commission reserves the right to change or modify any of the scheduled events