Free concerts over three nights at Benalmadena Marina in Veladilla del Carmen 2026

Urban rap, flamenco and pop music are all coming to Benalmadena this summer, with three nights of free open-air concerts hotting up the marina. From Thursday, July 16 to Saturday, July 18, the local port will transform into a lively festival zone to celebrate the annual Veladilla del Carmen, a traditional event that unites live music with a stunning emotional candlelit maritime procession.

Free live music acts announced to keep crowds dancing

Famous Spanish artists will headline the main evening slots at the marina, with all performances completely free to the public. Celebrations kick off on Thursday, July 16 with a performance by flamenco star Marisol Bizcocho at 11pm. Rock fans can also enjoy a warm-up set by local band BenalRock earlier that evening at 9pm.

Urban and rap artist Nyno Vargas takes over the stage on Friday, July 17 at 11pm with pop vocalist Andy, widely known from the famous Spanish duo Andy & Lucas, will close the festival on Saturday, July 18 at 11pm. Nightly entertainment will take you well into the early hours with cover bands like Pop FM and Q-Gain keeping you dancing to your hearts content.

Yolanda Peña, Councillor for Festivals and Popular Traditions, unveiled the official schedule, confirming that activities will centre around the open-air events square by the marina’s Ferris wheel. Visitors can look forward to enjoying a full three evenings of communal celebration.

Traditional maritime procession and fireworks

Religious and cultural events are the man heart of the festival, specifically on the Thursday. The date which marks the official Feast of the Virgen del Carmen. Holy Mass starts at 6pm at the Carmen Church, followed immediately by the famous land-and-sea procession where the statue of the patron saint of sailors is carried into the water.

Spectators will gather at the main harbour master’s headquarters at 10:30pm to hear Mayka Romero perform the traditional Salve hymn. Shortly after, the emotional Encuentro de la Chiquita takes place at 11:00pm, a unique tradition where local scuba divers emerge from the sea carrying a smaller statue of the Virgin to meet the main icon at the Yacht Club dock. A massive firework display over the water will conclude the sacred portion of the evening, illuminating the beautiful marina.

For more information on the location, event and timings visit the Benalmadena Town Hall Website