Benidorm is a town where the fiestas have acquired a special significance and the numerous celebrations taking place throughout the year are a major attraction for those who visit.  In early October, Benidorm celebrates its Moors and Christians Fiestas.

The Moors and Christians have become one of the most widespread celebrated fiestas in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia and offer great visual appeal, as it combines particular elements of the character of the people, as well as a taste for fancy dress and special clothing, music and fireworks. The root of the struggle between both followers of the cross and the crescent moon goes back to the Battle of Lepanto, when its representation transcended into the streets and squares.

That event became local history, becoming the protagonist of victory or “miracle” the patron saint. In the interior regions, the conversion of the Moors is the key argument, while in the south, towards Alcoi, the battle recalls a part from the Reconquest or defense against invading Berber, although really it is St. George to who the fiesta is dedicated to.

There is a great participation in the parades, such as characterized costumes, relentless drums, bagpipes marching and the firing of gunpowder.  All these contribute to the events of this festival, which has become so popular now in the Spanish Levante Region.

HERE IS THE PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

WEDNESDAY 2nd OCTOBER

At 23.00 hours

Entrance of Filaes with the following schedule:

Concentration at Paseo Colon, Paseo de la Carretera, Martínez Alejos, Gambo, finishing in the Plaza of the Hispanidad in front of the CASTLE.

THURSDAY 3rd OCTOBER

At 22.00 hours MOOR INVASION OF THE VILLA: In Playa de Levante, opposite Valencia Street the Christian side concentration in their camp Torrechó Square, next to Town Hall the Moors concentration, when they then advance towards the beach to the Christian camp and subsequent confrontation between the two sides.

FRIDAY 4th OCTOBER

Awakening:

Start at 10.00 am

Formation:

• Standard bearers, Astures, Cavallers of the Barony and Crusaders ; Nazari , Tuareg and Muslims Tagarins ( Moor King) .

• Itinerary:

Street – Paseo Colón, Paseo carretera, Martínez Alejos, Gambo, Hispanidad Square.

At 18.00 hours:

ESTAFETA AND MOOR EMBASSY, Moorish Ambassador armies accompanied by Mahometan intimidate the Christian troops to leave the castle. The refusal of the Christian Ambassador will result in the declaration of war, beginning the ALARDO, with the usual route and ending with the taking of the Castle of the Moors.

At 19.00 hours:

ESTAFETA AND CHRISTIAN EMBASSY, repeat the same situation as Moorst but with opposite texts and symbols. The route will be as normal to the end until the reconquest by the Christians of the Benidorm fort.

SATURDAY 5th OCTOBER

Awakening:

Start at 10 am.

Formation:

• Standard Bearers, Nazari, Tuareg and Muslims Tagarins (Moor King); Astures,

Cavallers of the Barony and Crusaders

• Concentration at the Plaza Neptuno, carrying out the same route the day before.

At 20.00 hours:
ENTRANCE / PARADE: Spectacular parade of the Moors and Christian troops through the main streets of our town.

Itinerary:

Concentration in Plaza Neptune, and streets Venus , Ruzafa , Martínez Alejos, Gambo , Hispanic Square, ending at Avenida Bilbao.

Formation:

• Standard Bearer of the Association.

• Moors troops: Nazari, Tuareg and Muslims Tagarins MOOR KING 2013.

• Christian troops Astures, Cavaliers of the Barony and Crusaders.

SUNDAY 6th OCTOBER

At 12.00 hours:

PARLIAMENT

Entry of the governor of the Castle and the Prince of Kairouan after which the Tunisian prince and Hosts recede.

Finish approx. 12.30 hours:

FLOWER OFFERING TO THE GREAT ST JAMES APOSTLE

After the mass at 13.00 hours there will be a solemn High Mass sung by the ACR The La Barqueta Benidorm.

Route Itinerary:

Hispanidad Square, streets Gambo, Martínez Alejos, Alameda, and Mayor Street.

Formation

Identical to the start with parade closing with Civil and Military Authorities.

At 19.30 hours:

Festive PARADE WITH FLOATS, in which different Filaes throw the traditional sweets, streamers and gifts.

Formation:

Initiated by the Queens of local fiestas adult and child, ladies of honor, then the Moors and Christian troops, ending the parade Tagarins filà Rey Moro Muslims.

Formation:

Streets Tomás Ortuño, Venus, Ruzafa, Martínez Alejos, Gambo, Hispanidad Square, in front of the Castle, ending at Puente Street .

NOTE : All times listed are set as start time and places of concentration. Association reserves the right to alter events and schedules.