2011-05-16
Alcoi Moors and Christians Festival
Alcoi stages a spectacular re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and the Christians to honour regional patron Saint George. Head to outdoor squares Plaça Emili Sala and la Plaça de Dins for the liveliest celebrations.
The first two days of the event see "armies" march through the town to
the sound of pipes and drums, preparing for war. All sides and ranks are
represented, from elegant Berbers to fork-carrying peasants.
The
battle itself takes place complete with large-scale explosions, and
follows the progression of the initial 13th-century fight between Moors
and Christians, with the latter struggling at first before reversing the
course of the battle.
Taking part in the re-enactment is a real institution in Alcoi, where membership to one of the armies, or filaes,
requires year-long devotion towards finding the right costume and
practising the manoeuvres. The focus on authenticity makes the event a
hair-raising approximation of the Middle Ages: exhilarating for a day,
but fairly rough.
If you're planning to visit this popular
fiesta, book your accommodation well in advance. Reserve seats for the
parade at the Tourist Office or the Asociación de San Jorge two months
ahead.
When: 13 - 16 May 2011
Where: Alcoi, Spain
From: whatsonwhen.com
last modification: 2011-04-21
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