Moros y Cristianos Festival

Mock battles, colour, noise and fireworks

In Alicante the festival starts with a huge parade with people dressed in the period costumes of the Moors and Christians.

This festival acts out a part of Spanish history demonstrating the battles between the Arabs and the Christians that took place in the region centuries ago.

One of the best places to see this fiesta is Alcoy, in Alicante, where the celebrations take place between the 22 and the 24 of April.

The festival is the highlight of the year for the townsfolk of Alcoy with no less than 28 separate Moorish and Christian armies parading around in full medieval, military attire.

The proceedings are taken very seriously by the Alcoyanos as they march in their companies all day accompanied by bands.

Mock battles also take place at various points throughout the festival culminating in a huge simulated battle around Alcoy's castle.

The Spanish love of fireworks is evident during the fiesta and the balconies of the whole town are decorated with red cross flag of St George.

In the streets, battles take place between both armies and the city is covered with the fog of gunpowder.

On the final day the Christians are defeated in the morning then after the appearance of St George they surround the Moors in the afternoon and defeat them.

It is very difficult to find accomodation in Alcoy during the festival so we recommend that you book a hotel in Alicante and travel from there.

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