Moors and Christians in Alcoy

The most spectacular expression of the “Moors and Christians” festivities takes place in Alcoy, where a number of 13th-century events from the times of king Jaime I the conqueror, when the city was attacked by the Moorish chieftain Al-Azraq and, according to legend, Saint George appeared on horseback to help the city, which swore to build a temple in his honour and to feast him, are commemorated. The festivities in Alcoy have been declared to be of international touristic interest.

On April 22, 23 and 24, Alcoy becomes a veritable explosion of joy, with thousands of white pennants with the cross of Saint George and many other green flags with the Islamic crescent moon decorate the city. Scenes, pageants and entries are held, representing the capture of the castle by the Moors and how the Christians recaptured it.

The din of drums, trumpets, volleys of muskets in the thick of battle, the smell of gunpowder… impressive!

The first day hosts the two Entrances, with the Christian groups entering in the morning and the Moorish ones in the afternoon. The richness and colour of the costumes, the music, the colourful standards and the twirls performed by the corporals create a magical mood.

The second day, the 23rd, which is Saint George’s day, is a day of devotion in the chapel, in the procession with the relic, the figure of San Jordiet, a child under the age of eight dressed as a Roman soldier.

On the 24th, the Day of the Alardo (mock battle), a series of skirmishes take place, in which muskets and blunderbusses, suits of armour and Moorish capes give shape to a battle which has been won by Christians yearly since 1276. Once calm has returned, San Jordiet appears, acclaimed by the multitude, putting an end to the festivities until the following year.

Images
Moros y Cristianos de Alcoi
null
null
null