Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) are traditional festivals celebrated in many Spanish cities and towns, primarily in southern Valencia, to commemorate the battles between Christians and Muslims (Moors) during the Reconquista, a series of military campaigns between the 8th and 15th centuries that resulted in the Christian reconquest of the Iberian Peninsula from Muslims.
Festive reenactments of the most glorious battles of the Reconquista were first held during the Reconquista itself in the 15th century. The Moors and Christians festivals feature vibrant parades of Moors and Christians in spectacular costumes loosely inspired by Medieval fashion and usually culminate in a mock battle reenacting the city’s reconquest from Moors.
The most well-known Moors and Christians festivals are held in Alcoy, Almoradí, Banyeres de Mariola, Biar, Bocairent, Cocentaina, Crevillent, El Campello, Elda, Elche, Monforte del Cid, Muro d’Alcoi, Novelda, Oliva, Ontinyent, Orihuela, Petrel, Sax, and Villena.
The Moors and Christians festival in Ontinyent originated in 1860. It was modeled after similar festivals held in the nearby towns of Alcoy, Concentaina, and Villena and reenacted the reconquest of Ontinyent in the 13th century by the troops of King James I of Aragon. The inaugural festival lasted for three days and featured seven comparsas (troupes): Cruzados (Chaplains), Estudiantes (Students), Marineros (Sailors) and Tomasinas on the Christian side, and Moros del Rey, Moros del Rif and Moros de Caballería on the Moorish side.
Today, two dozen troupes participate in the festivities every year: twelve on the Christian side (Almogàvers, Arquers, Asturs, Bucaneros, Cides, Contrabandistas, Cruzados, Estudiants, Fontanos, Gusmans, Llauradors, Marineros) and twelve on the Moorish side (Abencerrajes, Benimerins, Chanos, Kábilas, Moros Berberiscos, Moros Espanyols, Moros Marinos, Mossàrabs, Mudéjares, Omeyas, Saudites, Taifas). Each of the two sides has a captain, a flagman, and an ambassador.
The Moors and Christians season in Ontinyent officially begins on the last Saturday of June, when the festival is officially announced. The announcement includes a parade and the presentation of the official poster of this year’s festival. The festival itself begins on the third Sunday of August with a solemn Intercession Mass, the Esmorzar de la Llàgrima (a breakfast followed by a remembrance ceremony for all festival participants who died during the previous year), and the opening ceremony at the town’s main square.
The following week is filled with festive events and activities such as children’s competitions, concerts, various parades, solemn processions, and holy masses. The main parade of the festival, featuring all twenty-four comparsas, takes place on the Monday following the fourth Sunday of August, closing the festivities (although a few festival-related activities take place after that in late August in early September).
Photo: moorsandchristians.eu
