This Spanish festival commemorates the battles between Moors (or Muslims) and Christians during the period known as the Reconquest of the Peninsula (from the 8th century through the 15th century), when Moors captured the city, although it takes place a little bit time earlier than those dates.
It is about one of the most genuine festivities that are included between the wide and rich set of celebrations which have deep roots and traditions in Spain. It has a religious origin which has been enriching at the same time, with a clear recreational component that is present on every festival. However, its play representing history is what makes it unique of its kind in the world.
These celebrations take place all over the year in different dates and regions, from the east to the western region of Andalusia, Castile and even the Canaries. Some time ago, they are witnessing some spectacular growth, since they are celebrated in different cities and villages from the East.
The one that takes place in the eastern region known as Alcoy (Alicante) on February 20th is perhaps the most well-known, declared as a celebration of International Tourist Interest since 1980. Some other villages from the eastern region, for instance Caravaca de la Cruz (Murcia), Onteniente (Valencia) or Villena also in Alicante are very traditional according to this celebration as well.
Every city celebrates its way this festivity but it consists usually of different ceremonies, where we can invariably see the Entrances (or Parades), Embassies and the Procession (they are usually tied to the festivity of the patron saint of the city or corresponding culture).
The participants split into two opposing sides, Moors and Christians, dressed as the medieval fashion of every culture, leaving nevertheless a great space to the fantasy ornamentation.
Each side symbolically takes the city during an entire day. It is known as Entrance of the Moors and Entrance of the Christians. The holiday ends with the Christians winning a simulated battle, known as the Reconquest.
This happens in a final battle where shots are simulated by both sides. In this battle the castle of the city is captured or, in case the city might not have a castle, an artificial one is made.
From the very beginning the music has always starred in the Moors and Christians festivals; it was not until the 19th century when the orchestras join the Holidays though.
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