Hundreds defy rain and turn streets pink for Benidorm cancer walk

Hundreds of people turned Benidorm pink on Sunday, October 18, as residents joined a major charity walk supporting women affected by breast and gynaecological cancer, refusing to let wet weather dampen their determination.

The 24th Marcha Solidaria, organised by Anémona Marina Baixa, brought together supporters from across the Costa Blanca city ahead of World Breast Cancer Day on Monday, October 19. Despite overnight rain and the threat of further showers, the crowds turned out to show solidarity with those facing the disease.

The annual event has become an important fixture in Benidorm’s community calendar, combining fundraising with a powerful public message that no woman should have to face cancer alone.

Rain fails to stop Benidorm’s pink wave

Organisers shortened the planned route because of concerns about further rainfall, but the change did little to diminish the turnout.

Starting at Benidorm Town Hall, participants made their way through central streets including Pont, Gambo and Martínez Alejos, before continuing along Avenida de Alcoy, Avenida de Europa and Avenida del Mediterráneo. The procession also passed through Plaza de la Hispanidad before returning to its starting point.

Among those taking part were Benidorm mayor Toni Pérez, equality councillor Ángela Zaragozí and members of the local council. They joined Anémona president María Botella and members of the association, alongside the queens of the 2026 Festes Majors Patronals, Laura Ivars Marín and Carmen Guillem Campos, their courts of honour and representatives of local neighbourhood and social groups.

The turnout sent a message of support to people undergoing treatment, as well as their families and loved ones.

Fundraising supports therapy and research

The walk was about more than raising awareness. Money collected through the initiative helps fund therapeutic activities provided by Anémona throughout the year, while also contributing to breast cancer research led by GEICAM, the Spanish Breast Cancer Research Group.

The association supports women affected by breast and gynaecological cancers across Benidorm and the Marina Baixa area, offering a community for those navigating the physical and emotional challenges of diagnosis and treatment.

After the walk, activities continued in Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España, where participants could take part in zumba sessions and enjoy food and drinks at affordable prices.

Local restaurants donated food for the occasion, helping turn the gathering into a wider community event while supporting the association’s fundraising efforts.

Mayor Toni Pérez and councillor Ángela Zaragozí praised Anémona and its president for bringing together so many people despite the unfavourable forecast. They highlighted the importance of showing women living with breast cancer that they have the backing of their community, while supporting scientific efforts to find better treatments and ultimately overcome the disease.

More events planned for World Breast Cancer Day

Benidorm’s programme of activities continued on Monday, October 19, with the reading of the 2026 manifesto at the town hall’s assembly hall at 7pm.

The event was also due to include the winning entry from the second edition of the Una idea, pocas palabras, un mundo (One idea, a few words, a world) short-story competition, featuring pupils in the fourth year of Spain’s secondary education system.

The activities form part of a wider effort to keep breast cancer awareness in the public eye and recognise the experiences of those affected by the disease.

For Anémona, the annual walk remains a visible reminder that community support can make a difference, whether through helping women access therapeutic activities, contributing to research or simply standing alongside those facing a difficult diagnosis.

The crowds who braved the rain on Sunday ensured that message was heard across Benidorm once again.