Benidorm Holi Festival returns this Saturday, 23 August

This summer, Terra Natura Benidorm once again pays tribute to one of its most beloved animals: Petita the elephant. On Saturday 23 August, the Asian elephant—who has become a symbol of friendship, inclusion and respect for nature—will mark her 53rd birthday. To celebrate, the park will host a new edition of the Benidorm Holi Festival, blending vibrant Indian traditions of music, dance and a colourful powder battle with the moving story of Petita and her inseparable companion, Kaiso.

The festivities will begin at 11:00 am with a traditional Indian welcome, where visitors receive a bindi or tilak on their forehead, a symbol of wisdom and protection. A lively parade of musicians and dancers in saris will then wind its way through the park, leading to the elephant meadow where Petita and Kaiso will be treated to a special feast of fruit and vegetables, accompanied by a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”.

The celebration will then move to Namastepur village, where the much-anticipated colour battle will unfold. More than 320 kilos of powdered pigments and bottles of tinted water in eight dazzling shades will be released into the air, transforming the space into a whirlwind of joy. The spectacle will be further enlivened by Bollywood-style dance performances and live music, creating an unforgettable experience for families.

The party will continue in the afternoon at Aqua Natura with a live DJ set and a giant coloured foam party—ensuring the fun lasts all day long, while blending culture, nature and entertainment.

A Commitment to Asian Elephant Conservation

Beyond the celebrations, the day carries an important message of awareness and conservation. The Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) is listed as endangered by the IUCN, and Terra Natura Benidorm actively participates in international conservation efforts, including the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria’s Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

The park is home to four Asian elephants, including Petita and Kaiso, who share a strong emotional bond. Their care team follows strict welfare protocols, including positive reinforcement training, veterinary check-ups, balanced diets and enrichment activities tailored to each elephant’s needs.

Asian elephants are not only extraordinary animals in their own right but also vital “ecosystem engineers”, helping regenerate forests and disperse seeds. Yet, in the wild they face severe threats such as habitat loss, conflict with humans, poaching and the impact of climate change.

At Terra Natura Benidorm, events like this helps to strengthen our educational mission. Through talks, workshops and school activities, we encourage respect and empathy towards animals. The Benidorm Holi Festival is therefore far more than a colourful party—it is a celebration of life, a commitment to conservation, and a chance to share values of inclusion, respect and friendship with visitors of all ages.