Alicante Villas In Alcoy For The Spectacle Of The Finest Moors And Christians Festival

Not far from your ALICANTE VILLAS in Alcoy, history and legend take part in a spectacle

joining hands in a celebration full of sparkle and fantasy to commemorate events that took place in the 13th century. The Festival of the Moors and Christians is the biggest event of the year in Alcoy. Dedicated to Saint George, a figure steeped in age old tradition, the festival dates back to the 16th century and commemorates a battle which was fought in 1276. At the time, Alcoy stood on the border between Muslim and Christian held territories. There were frequent skirmishes between the two factions until on 23rd April 1276 the Moorish troops of Al-Azraq attempted to storm the town. According to legend, St. George appeared during the battle and, thanks to his intervention, the Christian army won the day, forcing the Moors to retreat and never to return.

In recognition of his timely intervention, the people of Alcoy made St George their patron saint and promised to hold a festival in his honour on 23rd April every year. The city is decked out in a style from the Middle Ages ready to celebrate its "fiesta mayor" or main festival. On the first day there is a spectacular procession of Moors and Christians: the different groups that make up each army march majestically through the streets of Alcoy dressed in their luxurious costumes. Around 5,000 people take part in this highly popular event either as spectators or part of the re-enactments. The local population often play the part of their own ancestors in many cases.

On the second day, there are a great many events which are held in honour of St George. On the final day, a huge battle takes place: it is fought in Espana Square where a specially constructed castle is built representing the original. The battlements are manned while the conquerors prepare to assault the fort. All of this is done to represent the city from those times. The Moorish troops approach the castle in an attempt to persuade the Christians to surrender; the offer is always rejected and then an ensuing battle commences which ends with the Moors taking over the stronghold.

In the afternoon, the Christian army returns and manages to retake the castle and then after unsuccessfully negotiating their surrender, the final battle begins in which the Moors are ultimately defeated. The evening has an appearance by St George which marks the end of the three days of festivities - at least until next year. The patron Saint of Alcoy appears on horseback, shooting arrows from the top of the castle. If you are lucky to get one you can easily take one of the arrows back to your ALICANTE VILLAS as a souvenir.

by: Porsche Klinger

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