THE MOORS AND CHRISTIANS AT VILLAJOYOSA

 

 

The Moors and Christian, a festival in homage to Santa Marta, from the 24th to the 31st of July, is one of the most important events to take place in Villajoyosa. In 2003, it was declared to be a festival of international tourist interest; it has been in existence for over 250 years.

 

The Moors and Christians festival commemorates historical events that took place in 1538 when Berber pirates, under the orders of Zalé-Arraez, tried to invade the city. Legend tells that Santa Marta came to the aid of town residents when she created a river that swept enemy boats away, preventing the pirates from reaching the shore. In acknowledgement, the town named her as their patron Saint.

 

The festival starts with the incredible parades of Moors and Christians, which take place on the 25th and 26th of July: all the different retinues walk majestically through the streets, following the sound of the music.

 

Villajoyosa is unique in that it stages a naval battle and a spectacular disembarkment on the beach, very early on July 28th. At 5am locals begin to gather on the beach and while the Christians are preparing the defence artillery on the shore, more than 30 Muslim boats approach from the sea. The two armies fight until they reach the foot of the castle that is finally captured by the moors. As the sun goes down, the Christian troops re-conquer the fortress, initiating a great battle that ends with the defeat of the Moors, who are then returned symbolically to the sea.

 

Other acts during the festival include the entrance of the warring factions, the parades, the contraband, the ambassadors, the parades of floats and the paellas.

 

 

 

 

 

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