Siestas, flamenco, castanets, Beckham, sombreros (though you don't see many worn round town do you?)...... fiestas!!! - words synonymous with sunny Spain.

Spain's fiestas are famous. So famous in fact that we accept their existence assuming it's some sort of, er...... party? Well, yes, but much more besides.

It's a party, a celebration, a thanksgiving. To a Spaniard, it symbolises the town in which they were born: its patron saint; its culture. Therefore fiestas are important to places, to individuals and to families, and so they're celebrated!

Benidorm celebrates 55+ fiestas each and every year.

Why? As its popularity as a holiday destination grew, so people were attracted from all parts of Spain looking for employment and prosperity.

Now then, Spain is a large country and the different regions vary widely. Migrant workers brought their own festivals, celebrations and traditions - to preserve their cultural heritage, to celebrate their Saints' Days, and to feel 'at home'.

Here's a selection of Benidorm's Fiestas