Declared of International Tourist Interest, these celebrations are held in honour of Saint George, patron saint of the city, whose intervention, according to legend, was decisive for the Christian victory in 1276.
The story goes back to the 13th century, when Al-Azraq, a Muslim warlord, tried to reconquer the city of Alcoy. According to the stories, during the battle, Saint George appeared on a white horse, which encouraged the Christians to defeat the Muslim troops.
The first documented records of celebrations in honour of Saint George date back to the 16th century, but it was in the 18th century when they acquired a more defined structure. During the 19th century, with the economic boom of Alcoy, the festivities experienced a notable growth, consolidating the “filaes” or groups representing the Moorish and Christian sides.
The festivities are generally held on 22, 23 and 24 April, but, depending on how Easter is celebrated, they can be delayed a few days.
The events start a few days before with the “Pregón” and the presentation of the “Capitanes” and other preliminary events.
The festive calendar really begins months in advance, with musical rehearsals, presentations of new costumes and the traditional “Gloriero”, a breakfast that brings all the festeros together in January to officially begin preparations.
The structure of the festivities: filaes and bandos (bands)
The fiestas are organised around associations called “filaes” (in Valencian) or “comparsas”, grouped into two sides: Moors and Christians. Each “filà” has its own identity, characteristic costumes, specific music and particular traditions. Currently, there are 28 filaes: 14 Moorish and 14 Christian.
Among the best known Moorish filaes you will find the Abencerrajes, Marrakesh, Berberiscos and Mudéjares. On the Christian side, the Andalusians, Aragonese, Navarrese and Almogavars stand out. Each year, a different filà has the honour of presenting the Captain and the Ensign, the most important positions of each side.
The three big days
Ticket Day
Your first day of the festival will be spectacular. Early in the morning, the streets are already buzzing with anticipation. At 10:00 a.m. the “Entrada Mora” (Moorish Entrance) begins, where the Muslim bands parade through the streets of Alcoy with elaborate costumes, enveloping music and various choreographies. This parade can last up to five hours, with each filà showing off their best clothes.
The combination of colourful silks, elegant turbans and oriental music creates a magical atmosphere that will transport you to another time. Decked out horses, themed carriages and choreographies rehearsed over months make for an impressive visual spectacle. In some years there have even been camels, mechanical elephants or even fire shows integrated into the parade.
In the afternoon, after a short break to recharge your batteries in one of the many bars and restaurants that remain open during the festivities, you will enjoy the “Entrada Cristiana”, equally impressive but with European medieval aesthetics: shining armour, cloaks with heraldic shields and martial music. Don’t forget your cameras, because each filà presents unique costumes that are true works of art.
Among the most exciting moments is the appearance of the Captain and the Ensign of each side, who receive the enthusiastic applause of the public. The accompanying entourages (entourages) are usually the most spectacular of the parade.
St George’s Day
On the second day, you can take part in the religious celebrations in honour of the patron saint. In the morning, the Diana is celebrated, where the festeros, dressed in less formal costumes, walk through the streets to the sound of festive pasodobles.
At mid-morning, the High Mass in honour of Saint George brings together authorities and festival-goers in the Church of Santa Maria. The procession of the relic of Saint George will allow you to see how devotion mixes with festive tradition. The church, specially decorated for the occasion, offers an impressive visual spectacle with its floral decorations and historical banners.
In the afternoon, don’t miss the general procession, where all the filaes participate together. The streets are once again filled with costumes, but this time with a more solemn and ceremonial atmosphere. The image of St. George walks through the main streets of Alcoy, accompanied by thousands of festival-goers and followed by a multitude of the faithful and visitors.
Alardo Day
On the last day you will experience the re-enactment of the battle. The Moorish troops “conquer” the castle in the morning, in a performance full of drama and spectacle. The Moorish arquebusiers fire their weapons in a sign of victory, while the whole town seems to rumble with each salvo, a salute fired with firearms.
In the afternoon, the most awaited moment arrives: the Christian troops “reconquer” the castle in the Christian Alard. The roar of the arquebuses, the smell of gunpowder and the battle cries will create a complete sensory experience that will transport you to real medieval battles.
The culminating moment comes when Saint George appears on the castle walls, descending a rope in a scenic effect known as “the Apparition”, symbolising divine help and Christian victory. This moment, accompanied by the music of the fiesta hymn, “Sig”, provokes collective emotion and many tears among the people of Alcoy, who see in this act the very essence of their fiestas.
Music: the soul of the party
You can’t talk about the Moors and Christians Festivities in Alcoy without mentioning its characteristic music. The Moorish marches, with their peculiar rhythm, and the Christian marches, more martial and epic, are a fundamental part of the celebration.
Local composers such as Amando Blanquer, Rafael Mullor or Julio Laporta have created emblematic pieces that are played year after year in the parades. “Mahomet”, “L’Entrà dels Moros” or “Tarde de Abril” are some of the compositions that you will hear repeatedly during your visit.
The music bands, more than fifty during the festival days, accompany each fila, creating the sonorous atmosphere that brings the parades to life. Many of these bands come from nearby towns and maintain a historical relationship with certain filaes.
Festive gastronomy
Your immersion in the festivities would not be complete without tasting the typical festive gastronomy. During these days, Alcoy offers special dishes that are only prepared at this time of the year:
- Baledres: A meat stew with potatoes and vegetables, ideal to replenish your strength between parades.
- Pericana: A delicious combination of dried peppers, cod and olive oil served as a starter.
- Olleta alcoyana: A hearty dish based on pulses, vegetables and meat that will help you endure the long festive days.
- Coca amb tonyina: A kind of open pie with tuna, pepper and hard-boiled egg.
- Herbero: Traditional liqueur made with aromatic herbs from the Sierra de Mariola, perfect as a digestive.
These dishes can be found in local restaurants, but also in the “filaes”, which often organise meals for their members and sometimes open their doors to visitors.
Beyond the festive season
Make the most of your stay to discover other attractions in Alcoy. Visit the Museum of the Fiesta where you will learn about the history and evolution of this centenary celebration, with exhibitions of historical costumes, old photographs and original documents.
Don’t miss the old part of the city either, with its modernist architecture influenced by the early industrialisation of the city. The Círculo Industrial, the Casa del Pavo and the old Monte de Piedad are outstanding examples of this architectural style.
If you have extra time, explore the natural surroundings of Alcoy, especially the Sierra de Mariola Natural Park, with its hiking trails and rich medicinal flora, or the Carrascal de la Font Roja, a protected natural area of great scenic beauty.
The Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos in Alcoy will offer you a complete immersion in Valencian culture and Spanish history. We assure you that you will return home with unforgettable memories, spectacular photographs and, most probably, with the desire to come back the following year to relive this fascinating experience that combines history, theatre and music.
