Cheap Apartments in Javea

Moros y Cristianos is a traditional and widely celebrated event in the region of Alicante. The event commemorates the famous battle of Alcoy when the Christians aided by Saint George defeated the Moors in 1275. It is often regarded as the greatest festival in Spain by many. There are close to 150 celebrations of the festival throughout Spain. It is however in Alcoy that the festival is celebrated with the utmost fervor. The patron saint is honored and the festival is carried on amidst the ringing of the bells and the sound of fireworks.

There is a riot of noise, fun and color at the time of the festival. There is a castle that is erected in the town square. The festival spans across three days. In the first day there are the processions. On the second day the battle is held and on the final day there are huge celebrations. The festival begins with parades wherein the people are attired in period costumes that belonged to the Christians and the moors. The festival enacts certain parts of the history of Spain. The wars between the Christians and the Arabs are demonstrated in this festival.

In this city the festivities are held from April 22 to April 24. The festival is one of the most significant events in the town each year and thousands of people from Spain as well as foreign countries flock to this place to witness the festival. There are over 28 Moorish as well as Christian armies that take part in the spectacular parade. They participate in the parade in their full military uniform and are definitely a sight to behold. The townspeople also march in the company of the armies accompanied by the bands.

The festival also has mock battles that are held at various points. All these culminate in a huge battle that is fought close to the Alcoy’s castle that is erected at the town square. Another major attraction of the festival is the brilliant display of fireworks. The people of the town decorate their balconies with Red Cross flags of Saint George. At the time of the festival there are battles between the two armies and the city is enveloped in the smoke of gunpowder.

On the last day of the festival the Christians lose in the battle in the morning. There is then the appearance of Saint George after which the Christians defeat the Moors in the afternoon. It is a custom that at the time of the festival, the relics of the patron saint are taken from the church and paraded before everybody. The costumes that are worn by the armies at the time of the festival are kept in the Moors and Christian museum for display.

The people of Alcoy prepare for the festival throughout the year. The closure of the festival saddens the people of the town who are consoled by the thought of it happening again next year. Since a lot of people visit Alcoy at the time of the festival it is wise to book accommodation in advance.