El Campello is preparing for the Feast of Moors and Christians

The picturesque town of El Campello (Alicante) is preparing for one of the most spectacular and anticipated events of the year — the Feast of Moors and Christians. The festival traditionally takes place from October 11 to 15, but the events dedicated to it began much earlier. On Sunday, October 6, several concerts and parades took place. And since October 8, a medieval market has been operating on the Plaza de la Constitucion and adjacent streets. Here you can buy handicrafts, souvenirs, jewelry and, of course, taste traditional sweets. 

The Feast of Moors and Christians is dedicated to the battles with the Moorish invaders who tried to occupy El Campello in the VIII-XV centuries. This is not just a historical reenactment, but a real live performance, the stage for which becomes the entire city. Hundreds of people dressed in historical costumes take part in parades and mock battles. 

The most interesting events of the holiday take place on the morning of October 12. At dawn, Moorish ships will dock at Carrer La Mar beach. Upon seeing them, Christians sound the alarm by lighting bonfires and ringing bells. Then the artillery cannonade begins – both armies fire cannons. And around 7:00 the Moorish army will begin to land, and on the beach will unfold a spectacular battle, which annually attracts thousands of spectators. The battle will end with the victory of the Moors, who will march triumphantly into the center of the city.

From October 13 to 14, street battles will take place on Avenida Generalitat. The Moors will try to hold on to the captured land, but will eventually retreat under the onslaught of the superior forces of the Christians. 

The Moor and Christian Festival in El Campello is not only about reenactments of battles. An important place in its program are events that honor the patron saints of the city. On October 15 at 11:00 a.m. there will be an offering of flowers and fruit to the Virgin of the Helpless. At 12:00 there will be a Mass in honor of St. Teresa, and at 13:30 will begin dedicated to her masquerade on the Plaza de la Constitucion. 

The celebration will conclude with a solemn procession and the handing over of the flags and keys at Castillo Festero. The final chord will be a grand fireworks display on Avenida dels Furs.

 

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Photo from morosicristiansdelcampello.com