Moors and Christians: Festivals in Alcoy and Valencia

The events draw on the medieval history of the Iberian Peninsula and the Christian Reconquista. They depict conflicts between Muslim and Christian groups in theatrical form. Today’s festival program is a local tradition that has evolved over centuries—not a neutral or comprehensive historical reconstruction. Some elements explicitly refer to local legends. It’s worth understanding these stories as part of the festival tradition rather than equating them with established historical events.

Typical elements may include costumed musical groups, so-called Entradas (parades), theatrical Embajadas (embassy or negotiation scenes), and an Alardo featuring the loud report of replica muzzle-loading firearms. Not every town holds all of these events. Their order and names also vary.

Alcoy (Alcoi), in Alicante province, is particularly renowned for its elaborately choreographed festivities. Traditionally, the festival days are associated with the feast day of Saint George (Sant Jordi) in April. The program includes processions and theatrical performances, among other events; the specific details are announced each year. The story associated with the festival, about the siege of Alcoy and the saint’s intervention, is part of local tradition.

If you’re planning a trip to Alcoy, make it part of a visit to Valencia province and first check the official dates and information from the city or festival organizers. Popular grandstand seats may need to be reserved; availability, on-sale dates and prices can change. Plan your journey well in advance, as road closures and increased visitor numbers can affect access to the city center.

The city of Valencia also has its own celebration in the Marítim district, around Cabanyal and the seafront promenade. For information about the coast, see the overview of Valencia’s beach; more dates and events are listed on the page Festivals and events in Valencia. This festival is distinct from the one in Alcoy. The official tourism information describes a three-day program on the third weekend of September: theatrical events on Friday, the Entrada on Saturday, and celebrations in honor of the patron saint, San Pedro, on Sunday. Check the latest program before your trip, as individual locations, times and details are confirmed each year.

The 2026 edition took place in Cabanyal from September 18 to 20; those dates have passed. The city has scheduled Alcoy’s 2027 festivities for April 24–26: the Entrada is planned for Saturday, Sant Jordi for Sunday, and the Alardo for Monday. Confirm times, access arrangements and ticket options in the latest program shortly before your trip. The City of Alcoy confirms the 2027 festival dates.

• Check the location and date: Search for the full festival name and the specific town. Dates in Alcoy do not apply to Valencia or other municipalities.
• Check the program shortly before your trip: Start times, routes, grandstands, access arrangements and possible changes are announced locally.
• Book accommodation and travel early: For well-known festivals, central accommodation and selected seats are in high demand. Allow extra time for road closures and walking, too.
• Be prepared for noise and crowds: Processions and gunpowder displays can be very loud. Keep clear of cordoned-off areas and follow instructions from emergency personnel.
• Take photos considerately: Ask permission before taking close-up portraits, and don’t obstruct participants or spectator routes.
• Plan ahead for children and sensitive ears: Hearing protection may be useful. Check whether the organizer has designated quieter viewing areas or listed any restrictions.

Alcoy and Valencia are examples of two different kinds of festival visit. In Alcoy, processions and ceremonies shape the entire festival calendar; the city center can be very busy during the main festival days. In Valencia, the festivities are concentrated in the Marítim district. If you’re staying for several days, you can combine your visit to the festival with a walk along the coast. The programs are not interchangeable: a published time or route applies only to the location and year specified.

The performances themselves also have local characteristics. In Alcoy, different festival groups appear in elaborate costumes; the Entradas are large processions accompanied by music. The Alardo is part of the staged finale and can be very loud due to the reports of gunpowder. In Valencia’s Marítim district, the events are smaller and rooted in local neighborhood traditions. If you’re mainly interested in the costumes and parade, choose the main procession at the location you plan to visit and check in advance whether seats or grandstands are available.

Allow more time for the event than you would for an ordinary city visit. Road closures may divert buses and taxis; when crowds are dense, walking the final stretch is often the easiest option. Check the city’s latest information on stops, closed roads and accessible entrances. If you’re visiting in a group, agree on an easy-to-find meeting point outside the busiest spectator areas in case mobile service or finding your way becomes difficult.

For grandstand tickets, check the on-sale date, seating area, admission time and refund rules directly with the organizer. A ticket for one procession does not automatically give you access to every event in the festival program. For free street viewing areas, you may need to arrive early; keep escape routes clear and stay out of marked safety zones. Children and people with sensitive hearing may benefit from ear protection, especially when gunpowder displays are scheduled.

If you’re combining your visit with sightseeing, leave plenty of time between the festival program and a museum or restaurant. Opening hours, reservations and transport routes may differ during major events. For cultural background, explore the cultural and architectural highlights of the region; in the city, you could also visit its museums. For a meal break, take inspiration from the regional cuisine. That way, the festival remains the focus without making your whole day dependent on a single event.

When taking photos, wide shots and processions can usually be captured from the spectator area. It’s polite to ask permission before taking close-up portraits. Costumes and association insignia can have special significance, so avoid generalized captions or portraying the festival figures as representations of present-day communities. This is a local festival tradition with historical and legendary themes, not a statement about today’s Muslim or Christian communities.

When do the festivals take place?

It depends on the location. Alcoy traditionally celebrates in April around Sant Jordi; Valencia’s Marítim district festival is announced for the third weekend of September. Check the official information from the relevant municipality each year; in Alcoy, in particular, the three days make up a program in their own right. If you’re looking for more cultural stops afterward, find ideas for culture and architecture, museums in Valencia and Valencian cuisine. For a broader introduction to the city and its surroundings, see Discover Valencia.

Are the festivals the same everywhere?

No. Processions, music and depictions of historical or legendary conflicts are common elements. Names, characters, duration and program vary considerably.

Can you watch the processions for free?

It varies by event and location. Street viewing may be free, while grandstand seats or certain events may require tickets. Rely on the organizer’s latest information.

Are these festivals an exact depiction of history?

No. The festivals combine historical references with local legends and traditional forms of performance. Above all, they show how a community shapes its local festival tradition.