Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy

Introduction and local significance

The Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy, known in Valencian as Moros i Cristians d'Alcoi, are celebrated in this city in Alicante from 24 to 26 April 2027. This festival, declared an event of International Tourist Interest in 1980 and an intangible Cultural Property of Interest (BIC) since 2019, includes the re-enactment of the battle between the Muslim and Christian sides. The celebration is structured around 28 filaes (brotherhoods). Visiting Alcoy during these dates allows you to observe a tradition that has been continuously evolving since the 16th century.

Historical origins and tradition

The origin of the festival lies in the battle of Alcoy on 23 April 1276, which pitted the Marinid troops of Al-Azraq against Christian armies. Saint George, the city's patron saint, is the central figure of the legendary tradition that favoured the Christian side. The first written references to these celebrations date back to the year 1511, although the current structure of the festival was consolidated in 1741, when the filaes were established.

The use of arquebuses and gunpowder, elements characteristic of the festival, was introduced in 1552. Throughout the centuries, the celebration has overcome milestones such as the ban on using gunpowder in the town centre by order of Charles III between 1771 and 1796, and the recording of the events in the book Célebre centuria, written by the chronicler Carbonell in 1672. A fundamental moment occurred on 22 April 1832 with the arrival of a relic consisting of a finger from the arm of Saint George, which prompted the creation of the Asociación de San Jorge on 10 May 1839.

Programme and main events

The programme for the Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy is organised around the Musicians' Day, the Entradas (Entry parades), the festival of Sant Jordi and the Alardo (mock battle). Among the highlights, the Christian and Moorish Entradas bring together the 28 filaes in parades that travel through the municipality. The Alardo event, with the traditional use of gunpowder and arquebuses, stages the armed struggle, while the Procession of the Relic of Saint George and the subsequent appearance of the saint on the castle battlements close the festival with the religious symbolism inherent to the commemoration. To check the schedule and detailed order of each activity during this edition, it is necessary to check the official programme provided at the top of this page.

Traditional festival food

The available information does not provide specific details about the gastronomy, traditional dishes, ingredients, or diet associated with the Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy festival.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To attend the Moros y Cristianos de Alcoy, it is recommended to plan your trip in advance, as demand for accommodation is high during the festival period. It is preferable to book accommodation in the town itself or in nearby villages to make it easier to follow the night-time events. Due to the influx of visitors to the town centre during the busiest days, it is better to use public transport or park outside the centre.

Before organising the days of your visit, it is essential to consult the official programme, as times and events may change. Furthermore, keep in mind that the dates indicated correspond to the main period of the festival, and it is necessary to check for any updates regarding organisation on the City Council's official website.