The Moors and Christians festivities of Alcoy are a type of celebration that takes place in the city of Alcoy in Alicante; Valencian Community of Spain . They are held every year on April 21, 22, 23 and 24 of the Spanish calendar.
The Moors and Christians festivities of Alcoy include the representation of the struggle between Muslims and Christians. These festivals are celebrated in honor of Saint George and have been declared of International Tourist Interest.
However, many Valencians and Spaniards celebrate and participate in these festivals but do not know their history. We will tell you about it below.
Origin of the Moors and Christians festivities of Alcoy
The Moors and Christians festivities of Alcoy have their origin in the Battle of Alcoy; specifically at the gates of the city, which took place in the year 1276. Legend has it that in this battle the inhabitants of Alcoy faced the troops of the Muslim leader Al-Azraq and that being at the key moment of the battle Saint George appeared on horseback on the city walls and that his figure decided the outcome of the battle.
This is the reason why San Jorge was named patron of the Moors and Christians festivities of Alcoy and they are celebrated around April 23, this saint's day. According to the available documentation, these festivals began to be organized in 1511 with the incorporation of musical instruments and the staging of the battle.
There are many towns in the Valencian Community that celebrate the Moors and Christians festivities , however those of Alcoy are the most special for the richness and spectacularity of their pageantry; which has led them to be declared of International Tourist Interest on January 18, 1980.