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Reenactment Battle between the Moors and Christians Which is a Major Festival in Alcoy

Posted on June 29, 2010
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Alcoy is one of the more famous of the cities in Spain – a favorite tourist spot because of its cultural heritage. It is in Alcoy Spain that one of the country’s historical festivals, Moors and Christians, is best re-enacted annually. And – if you are keen on going to this city of Alicante, come during the third week of April.

Battle between Moors and Christians-a Brief History

In order to appreciate more the battle between the Moors and the Christians, it is best to understand the underlying events during this fateful day in 1276 – April 23, to be exact. During that period, Alcoy was at the border of territories dominated by the Muslims and very frequently, fracas between the Muslims and the Christians happen. On April 23, 1276, the Moorish troops tried to invade the Christian town. Legend revealed that during that date, St. George appeared during the battle between these two offending troops. St George, being on the side of the Christians, was believed to be the Christian’s protector paving way to winning the battle. From then on, the Christians of the place committed to celebrate the occasion to honor their patron – St. George. Today, a church in honor of St George stands on the very spot where the Moorish leader fell dead.

The Celebration of the Festival Today

The re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and the Christians starts on April 22 and runs through the same anniversary date – April 23, with culmination activities on April 24. Activities on the first day begins with a parade of the Christians (around 11 o’clock in the morning) – where all the supposedly Christians wear colorful costume. The afternoon around 5 o’clock is the Moorish chance to display their brilliant and historic costume. Each of the parades – morning and afternoon – lasts for a few hours with incredible dancing, music and floats. The second day, is dedicated to the place’s patron saint – St. George. A lavish procession in his honor is the day’s main attraction. And on the last day, everybody re-enact the battle – break loose and adversaries combat in the streets. Clouds of smoke are all over Alcoy, bands play and costumed participants are seen everywhere.

The amazing fact is that the preparation is year round. After April 24, when the festival is culminated, everybody sets foot in preparing for the next year’s re-enactment battle.

But this is not the only attraction Alcoy has to offer to a tourist. Other interesting places are the Plaza de Espana, the Archeological Museum displaying various authentic discoveries from the ancient periods (Iberian and Roman artifacts), Museum de Fiestas show casing the different costumes used in the past Moors and Christians festivals and the convent of San Agustin. These are aside from the historical church built in honor of St. George.

Although a tourist has come to Alcoy for the purpose of witnessing the great Moors and Christian festival, curiosity can be adequately satiated with the different sights to behold. The place has all the amenities a tourist destination has to offer its guests.

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