Celebrating International Bikini Day: The Spanish beach that pioneered the iconic swimwear
Every July 5th, International Bikini Day is celebrated marking the debut of the now iconic piece of swimwear in Spain. This event symbolised the country's growing openness and tourism development, eventually positioning Spain as a global leader in the holiday industry.
While there is some contention over the honour, as Marbella (Costa Del Sol) and Santander (north coast of Spain) claim they were the first, it’s Benidorm that holds the title as the first Spanish destination where the bikini made its debut.
At the time, Benidorm was a small fishing village with a population of just around 4,000 people. Today, it has transformed into a major tourist destination, boasting over 15 million overnight stays in 2023.
In 1953, the mayor of Benidorm, Pedro Zaragoza, authorised the use of bikinis on the town's beaches. This decision created a sensation among European tourists who had already taken an interest in the destination.
Gradually, the locals embraced the trend, filling the beaches with vibrant colours and designs. The bikini's success in Benidorm was immortalised in 1955 with the first photo shoot featuring the garment in Spain, starring actress Beatriz Ledesma.
"When mass tourism began in Spain in the 1960s, bikinis were banned on the beaches and the Guardia Civil would fine women wearing them. Spanish society had to choose: either we wanted tourism, or we maintained the status quo. Obviously, tourism won. There were no longer enough officers to keep track of everyone wearing them. Tourism has been one of the most significant democratising factors to reach Spain," recounted Ignacio Vasallo, journalist and founder of Turespaña.
Benidorm's embrace of the bikini was more than just a fashion statement; it marked a pivotal moment in Spain's cultural and economic transformation, highlighting the powerful impact of tourism on societal change.
