On May 8th, the Benidorm City Council hosted an institutional plenary session to commemorate 701 years since the granting of the Carta de Poblament. The event brought together representatives from the institutional, social, cultural, and economic life of the city, emphasizing the importance of this anniversary for the municipality's future.
During the session, the municipal official advocated that decisions should be made
“"thinking about future generations"
and reaffirmed the commitment to intelligent growth that protects the environment, diversifies the economy, and guarantees opportunities for all. The session included sign language interpretation services.
In his speech, delivered entirely in Valencian, the municipal official recalled the Carta de Poblament granted by Admiral Bernat de Sarrià in 1325, highlighting that document
“"was an invitation to inhabit, build, resist, and advance towards the future"
. He noted that, despite historical difficulties such as water scarcity, Benidorm has undergone a constant transformation
“"from a fishing village to an international symbol of coexistence, openness, and modernity"
. The city has evolved
“"towards the sky without forgetting its roots"
maintaining its spirit of openness.
The 701st anniversary is not just a celebration, but a renewal of the collective commitment to the city's future.
“"Benidorm is not just a physical place; it is a concept of life and a city model built generation after generation"
. In 2025, the city surpassed 3 million visitors and 16 million overnight stays, consolidating its position as one of the main tourist destinations in Spain and Europe. Furthermore, nearly 35% of its almost 80,000 residents come from other countries, making it a global meeting point and a benchmark in innovation, intelligent data management, sustainability, and resilience.
The commemorative program will continue throughout the weekend. On Friday, the Medieval Market will officially open in Elx Park, and on Saturday, May 9th, Sant Jaume Square will host the reenactment of the Carta Pobla, organized by the Grup Carta de Poblament de la Associació de Penyes Verge del Sofratge, with the participation of the Professor of Medieval History from the University of Alicante, José Vicente Cabezuelo.
