DENIA-BEACH APARTMENT
ALCOY
Every year, in April, the Saint gives victory to the Christian hosts as Alcoy, in the Valencia, re-enacts the famous, and largely mythical, battle.
The celebration is one of the great fiestas of Spain, the greatest in the world, according to many an Alcoyano.
In late April each year, a papier-mache castle is erected in the town's main plaza and the townsfolk re-enact the confrontation between the Moorish (Muslim) and Christian leaders.
On the first day of the festival, the townsfolk flock to take part in the colourful parades which weave their way through the streets of Alcoy.
They spend a great deal of time making their costumes together, and curiously everyone is vying to be a Moor, as their tribal costumes are the most colourful and exotic.
The second day of the festival is St. Georges Day. On this day, the religious aspects of the festival are remembered, when the relics of the Saint are removed from the Church of Santa Maria and returned with high drama to the temple. That evening there's a spectacular firework display and Valencian fallas or effigies are burned on huge bonfires in the town.
On the final day of the fiesta, a furious battle takes place on the streets of Alcoy. When the Christian leaders tear up the Moors' demands, a horse messenger spreads the word of impending war, and the battle begins. For hours the two armies flood through the streets letting off blunderbusses that are so loud they can be heard for miles around. Before noon the Moors succeed in seizing the castle. However in the afternoon, after a child dressed as Alcoy's Holy Patron, St. George makes an timely appearance on the battlements, the Christians re-gain control of the castle and the battle is won.
Every army has its own traditional costume design, both fancy and fanciful. Many of them, especially those of the captains, cost a small fortune.
Although no effort is made to achieve strict historical accuracy in the clothes, plenty of attention is given to the details, and the costumes have to follow certain rules. Some modern things are allowed, like eyeglasses and watches, and most of the soldiers, even non-smokers, chomp on cigars. These cigars are a tradition of the fiesta, although nobody seems to know exactly why. "They're just part of the fun,"
The outraged Christians were forced to call the police and the Guardia Civil !! so that the course of history wouldn't be altered forever.
Moors and Christians:
Spain's most explosive Fiesta
22nd, 23rd, 24th April in Saint George's honour(all dates are approximate)
What Happens at the Fiesta of Moors And Christians?
One year, about 10 years ago, the Moorish team decided they were not prepared to give up the castle so easily and locked themselves in to celebrate their victory with plenty of food and drink.