Benidorm Beach Bookworms
Published on 17th August, 2006
Don Quijote and sidekick Sancho Panza
Benidorm's Levante beach has witnessed some odd sights over the years but none more so than this week. Ten famous literary characters visited the beach in full costume to encourage sunbathers to read whilst relaxing.
It's part of a Ministry of Culture promotion called ‘read on the beach’ which, during its 21 days, is visiting beaches all over Spain.
The characters played out their literary roles on the beach and favourites amongst the kids were Alice in Wonderland and Sherlock Holmes complete with magnifying glass and pipe. Cervantes’ Don Quijote and sidekick Sancho Panza amused the crowds by tilting at litter bins, whilst a firm favourite with the ladies was Don Juan, the famous womaniser who looked just like Errol Flynn! Quite what Count Dracula was doing there in broad daylight we’ll never know!
Beach-goers caught in possession of a book, newspaper or magazine were given prizes by the personalities. What a great idea.
In a similar vein in Altea, visitors to the beach can borrow books from the ‘Biblioplaya’ or beach library to read whilst sunbathing. In addition to newspapers and magazines they have hundreds of books in English, Spanish and Valenciano, (the local lingo) to keep everybody occupied. One wonders if there are signs all over the beach saying ‘silence please’?
Where am I? 
Back to News Index for August, 2006
