Every May, a dazzling spectacle of glitter, glamour, and soaring power ballads captivates a global audience of nearly 200 million people. The Eurovision Song Contest is a cultural behemoth, a televised competition where nations battle for musical glory. For many, it's a distant, fantastical event.

But for those of us living on Spain’s Costa Blanca, this global phenomenon feels incredibly, wonderfully local. In recent years, our sun-drenched coastline has become the undisputed heart of Spain's entire Eurovision journey. The road to the international stage now begins here, amidst the iconic skyscrapers of Benidorm, and as the world saw in 2024, it can be championed by the couple next door from the quiet market town of Ondara. This is the story of how our region became the powerhouse behind the Spanish Eurovision entry.

What is Benidorm Fest? Spain's Gateway to Eurovision

For years, Spain's passion for Eurovision had faded. The country's entries were often met with apathy. That all changed with the launch of Benidorm Fest in 2022, a move by the Spanish broadcaster RTVE to reignite the country's love for the contest. And it worked spectacularly.

Benidorm Fest is how Spain's Eurovision song is chosen, but it's far more than a simple TV show. It is a week-long music festival celebrating Spanish talent, broadcast prime-time over three nights—two semi-finals and a grand final.

A Legacy Reborn: The History of the Festival

The choice of Benidorm was a masterstroke, steeped in history. Long before it became the modern Eurovision launchpad, the city was home to the Benidorm International Song Festival, which ran from 1959 to 2006. This historic festival was a star-maker, famously helping to launch the career of a young Julio Iglesias. By reviving this legacy in a modern format, RTVE grounded the new festival in a place with a deep and credible musical heritage.

The "Eurofan" Experience: More Than a TV Show

During the last week of January, the city transforms. The winter calm is replaced by an electric energy. Legions of dedicated Eurofans from across Spain and Europe descend on the city, filling the hotels and creating a vibrant atmosphere. Fan clubs host parties, the official "Euroclub" thumps with music until dawn, and the city's famous tapas alleys are filled with artists, journalists, and supporters debating the night's performances. Benidorm Fest has successfully turned a typically quiet off-season week into a can't-miss national event.

From Ondara to Eurovision: The Story of Nebulossa's "Zorra"

While Benidorm provides the grand stage, the 2024 story proved that the most impactful talent can come from the most unexpected places. The winners of Benidorm Fest 2024, the synth-pop duo Nebulossa, hail from Ondara, a market town in the Marina Alta region, just a stone's throw from Jávea and Dénia.

Who are Nebulossa? The Duo from Ondara

Nebulossa is not your typical pop act. They are Mery Bas and Mark Dasousa, a married couple in their 50s who have been making music together for two decades while running their local businesses, including a recording studio. Their victory was a triumph for authenticity over ageism, a story of seasoned, passionate artists finally getting their moment on a national stage.

The Meaning and Impact of "Zorra"

Their winning song, "Zorra," became an instant cultural phenomenon. The meaning of Nebulossa's "Zorra" is what made it so powerful. The word is a charged, derogatory Spanish term for a vixen, often used as a slut-shaming insult. Nebulossa’s anthemic track reclaims the word, turning it into a defiant roar against misogyny and double standards. Lines like, "If I go out partying and get home past dawn, I'm the bigger zorra," resonated deeply, particularly with women and the LGBTQ+ community, who embraced it as an anthem of empowerment.

The song was not without controversy, sparking a national debate about its appropriateness. Yet, it received powerful endorsements, including from Spain's Prime Minister, who praised it for challenging stereotypes. Ultimately, the public and juries agreed, sending our local heroes to represent Spain in Malmö, Sweden. The night they won, a wave of pride swept through the Costa Blanca. They were our neighbours, taking a brave, unapologetic message from our small town to one of the biggest stages in the world.

Why the Costa Blanca is Spain's Eurovision Hub

It's no coincidence that this region has become so integral to Spain's creative output. The Eurovision Costa Blanca connection is strong for several reasons:

• A Hub for Creatives: For decades, this region has attracted artists, musicians, writers, and free-thinkers from all over the world. They blend with a rich local talent pool, creating a vibrant, open-minded culture where creativity flourishes. You can feel it in the art galleries of Altea, the live music bars of Jávea, and the thriving cultural scene in Dénia.
• Infrastructure and History: As mentioned, Benidorm has the history and, crucially, the infrastructure—hotels, conference centres, and auditoriums—to host a massive, week-long media event in the middle of winter, boosting the local economy when it's most needed.
• A Supportive Community: The diverse local and international communities on the Costa Blanca embrace these cultural events with immense enthusiasm, adding to the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes artists and fans want to return year after year.

So, the next time you watch the dazzling spectacle of the Eurovision Song Contest, remember that for Spain, the journey doesn't start in May. It starts months earlier, under the winter lights of Benidorm. It’s a story shaped by the history, culture, and spirit of the Costa Blanca, and championed by the incredible talent that lives and breathes its creative air.