Benidorm Fest 2026: Spain Keeps the Festival Despite Withdrawing from Eurovision
Spain officially withdraws from Eurovision 2026, but this does not mean that the national selection — Benidorm Fest 2026 — is cancelled. Today, RTVE and regional authorities confirmed that the festival will take place in full, maintaining its status as one of the country’s largest music events. This move turns Benidorm Fest into an independent platform for young artists and songwriters who want to showcase themselves nationally, even without a European stage.
RTVE’s decision to withdraw from Eurovision was officially announced on December 4, 2025. RTVE President, José Pablo López, emphasized that commitments to hold Benidorm Fest remain unchanged, and the 2026 show will “combine scale and quality in line with the festival’s tradition.” The Valencian regional government also confirmed financial and institutional support, highlighting that Benidorm Fest remains a “flagship and successful cultural event.”
According to official data, the Benidorm Fest 2026 semifinals will take place on February 10 and 12, with the final on February 14. Applications are already closed — over 870 songs were submitted, demonstrating continued interest from artists and songwriters. Although this year’s winner will not represent Spain at Eurovision, participating in the festival still offers media exposure, professional connections, and public attention.
For many artists, the festival format without Eurovision will be a new challenge: Benidorm Fest 2026 has now become an independent national event. This opens opportunities for experimentation, new musical styles, and original projects while maintaining a high level of organization and spectacle. RTVE promises that the show will retain its vibrancy, professionalism, and become a true celebration of Spanish music.
Despite withdrawing from the European contest, Benidorm Fest 2026 remains an important landmark on Spain’s music scene. For participants, it is a chance to showcase their songs, gain media and fan attention, and for audiences, an opportunity to enjoy high-quality contemporary music and discover new talents who could become leaders of the Spanish music scene in the coming years.
Thus, Benidorm Fest 2026 preserves its traditions and potential while adapting to new circumstances. The festival remains a must-attend event for everyone following the Spanish music industry and continues to shape the country’s cultural landscape, even without a direct path to Eurovision.
