Alcoy, The Legend Of Battle Between Moors And Christians

Along the Mediterranean Coast, in the province of Alicante, lies a city which rose to prominence simply because of a peculiar annual festival. This city is Alcoy, a small industrial city. Tourism in this place has boomed because of the popularity brought about by its Moors and Christians Festival.

The legend about the Moors and Christians can be easily told and retold by any Alcoyano. It seems that every resident of the place is aware of the legend that brought the little city on to the global map. Flying to Alcoy via Alicante flights brings you to the Alicante International Airport. From here, you take a one hour car drive to Alcoy for the very famous festival.

The History

The incident was said to have taken place during the 13th century.  Everything started with fights in the region between the Arabs and the Christians. Battles between the two groups were ceaseless – the Arabs trying to invade and the Christians doing everything to defend. The legend happened on April 23, 1276. Again, a battle ensued between the two groups. The Arabs at first were winning, pinning down the Christian army. It was at this instant that St George on horseback was said to have come to the side of the Christians. With St. George as protector, the Christians won the battle and the Moor or Arab leader was killed in this struggle. As thanksgiving to the benevolent patron saint, the Christians committed to celebrate this big triumph and thus, every year a lavish festival is celebrated in the Costa Blanca region but the Alcoyano way of re-enacting the Moor and Christian battle can never be equaled.

The Festival Today

Every year, the mythical battle of April 23, 1276 is re-enacted in Alcoy. Every year, the Christians triumph in a three-day celebration amidst the festive moods of the residents and visitors.

Day 1, April 22 is typified by two entrance parades or Entradastake, the Christians in the morning and the Moors in the afternoon. To the sound of bands, armies march all over the place dressed in brilliant costume of the 13th century. All participants act as if they are really ready for a battle. People on the streets watch the gallant display as they wave banners to show admiration and encouragement to the warriors. All day long, the parade goes on and banners especially the red cross of St George are waved restlessly.

Day 2, April 23 marks the solemnity of the occasion. This day is devoted to St. George, the benefactor of the Alcayano Christians. The festive mood still in the air, religiosity takes over as procession of the relics of St. George goes around the city.

Day 3, April 24 is called the Dia del Alardo (Day of the Battle). The mock skirmishes are conducted at Plaza de Espana, with the Christians again winning over the Moors. The battle is represented by fireworks and sound blasting. When the noise is over, St Jordiet (St. George) appears amid the cheering of the crowd.

The festival ends only to begin another year of preparations for next year’s Moors and Christian battle. As long as the Alcoyanos re-enact this Christian victory, Alcoy will always be a tourist attraction.