Moors and Christians Festivals on the Costa Blanca

Moors and Christians Festivals on the Costa Blanca

If you love colourful processions, music, battle re-enactments between thousands of participants, incredible costumes, drama and fireworks, you will adore the Moors and Christians festivals in Spain.

Many towns and villages across the Costa Blanca will reenact the battles between the Moors and Christians during the time of the Reconquista. This was a turbulent time in Spanish history and lasted 781 years from 711 - when the Moors started to take control of much of Spain - through to the Christians finally overthrowing the last of the Moors in 1492.

The Moors and Christians festivals rate among the most important fiestas in Spain - and, believe us when we say there is plenty of competition among the many festivals held here.

This summer, you can witness the fantastic spectacle for yourself. Here are three Costa Blanca towns to enjoy the Moors and Christians festivals. The festivals could not be held in the past two years because of Covid, so we’re sure this year’s events will be truly amazing.

Moraira Moors and Christians

In Moraira, the festival is celebrated from June 6 to 12 this year, although the main days are on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Friday June 10 is the flower offering and then the reenactment of the Moorish invasion on L'Ampolla beach.

Saturday is the Reconquista when the Christians take back control. This also takes place on l'Ampolla beach and around Moraira castle. On Sunday is the incredible Gala Parade when all the groups parade through the main streets. Remember to take your camera or have your phone charged up as the costumes are stunning.

The festival comes to an exciting finale with an incredible fireworks display.

Moors and Christians in Jávea

Jávea celebrates Moors and Christians from July 16 to 24. Like Moraira, the most important events take place on the final three days.when the various Moors and Christians groups hold dazzling parades. You can also witness the scenic re-enactments of the Moors invasion by sea and their defeat at the hands of the Christian troops. The main parade takes place on the final Sunday with a marvellous firework display when all the troops come together for a final party.

Dénia Moors and Christians Festival

A month later, Dénia hosts its Moors and Christians festivities in honour of San Roque (Sant Roc) from August 13 to 16.

You can watch the Moors arrival in Dénia on August 13. August 14 is the children's gala parade with the main gala parade being held on August 15.

August, 16, the day of San Roque, is impressive with the final battle followed by the surrender and retreat of the Moors. The fesitivities end with a fabulous fireworks display.

More Costa Blanca summer fiestas

Some other must-see Costa Blanca fiestas this summer:

• Jávea hosts a wonderful event Living Chess, or Ajedrez Viviente, on the final Saturday in July. A giant chessboard is set up with schoolchildren playing the chess pieces. Each year, there is a different theme, stage design and music. It's a beautiful theatrical performance where the stage is a chessboard. You don’t need to know anything about chess to enjoy this
• July is definitely a fabulous time to visit Moraira. From July 13 to 23, the resort celebrates the Fiestas Patronales de Moraira in honour of its patron saint. Events include processions and fireworks, offering of flowers and bous a la mar - bulls to the sea.
• Dénia also honours its patron saint from July 9 to 17 with similar activities to Moraira including bous a la mar, music, a parade and firework displays.
• After the moscatel grapes are harvested towards the end of August, Teulada-Moraira celebrates with a special Fiesta De La Uva De Moscatel which includes wine tasting and music.
• During the last week of August and the first week of September, Jávea hosts an incredible party in honour of the Virgin de Loreto, the patron saint of the sea. There are plenty of activities for children, sports, bous a la mar, parades, music, and fireworks.

The programmes for many of the events have not been finalised - we’ll keep you posted!

If you’re looking for a long-term rental in Jávea or neighbouring Costa Blanca resorts, or are ready to move to this region, get in touch. We’ll help you find the right property in the perfect area for you.