The Monument to the Riberer is found in Benissa’s old town, just a short walk from the Town Hall and the basilica.

This statue is one of those places I love to show people because it’s more than just a monument, it’s a story frozen in stone. It represents the “riberers,” the men of Benissa who used to leave twice a year to work in the rice fields along the River Xúquer. They would set off on foot with baskets of food and say a prayer before leaving, hoping for a safe return.

The figure you see here shows that exact moment of farewell, when they looked back at the church tower and whispered a prayer. Every spring, during the Puríssima Xiqueta celebrations, locals still gather here with flowers and music to honor their memory.

For me, it’s a spot that connects daily life in Benissa with the courage of past generations. Quiet, meaningful, and very local.