From 3 to 6 October 2024, the streets of Benidorm will be transformed into a colourful and vibrant festival area when the celebrations in honour of the „Moros y Cristianos“ reach their climax. This festival, deeply rooted in the region's tradition, commemorates the historic battles between Moors and Christians on the Iberian Peninsula. With splendid costumes, impressive parades, thrilling music and impressive pyrotechnic displays, the festival captivates locals and visitors alike.
The festival begins with an impressive parade in which the „filaes“ (festive groups) parade through the streets in their majestic costumes. The armies of the crescent and the hosts of the cross march into the city centre accompanied by the sound of drums and the stamping of horses' hooves. Falconers ride along proudly, while the standard-bearer presents the flag of the Moors and Christians Association on his carriage. The music, an essential part of the procession, emphasises the dramatic atmosphere and brings history to life in a fascinating way.
A highlight of the festivities is the flower offering in honour of the patron saint Sant Jaume Apostol. This gesture culminates in a solemn mass in the church of San Jaime and Santa Ana, accompanied by a colourful procession during which confetti and gifts are distributed to the spectators.
The festivities end with an impressive spectacle: the Christian troops symbolically „recapture“ the fortress of Benidorm, marking the final peace with the population. The crowning glory is a firework display that lights up the night sky - the „Mascletá“, a typical Levantine spectacle that gives you goosebumps with its pyrotechnics.
Moros y Cristianos in Benidorm is much more than just a festival - it is a journey through history, a living open-air museum that celebrates the cultural roots of the region and attracts thousands of people every year.