The Moors and Christians Festival promotes the ideal of peaceful co-existence and mutual respect between cultures and religions, between Muslims, Christians and Jews.
By Nick Nutter | Updated 18 Jul 2023 | Almería | Events |
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Moors and Christians Mojacar Image by Mojacar.es
The Moors and Christians Festival in Mojácar is the most important festival in that village’s calendar, more important even than the festivals for the local saints. This event is held to remember the peaceful and negotiated surrender of Mojácar and the surrounding villages to the Christian King at the end of the 15th century and promotes the ideal of peaceful co-existence and mutual respect between cultures and religions, between Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Moors and Christians Mojacar Image by Mojacar.es
The Moors and Christians Festival in Mojacar typically takes place on the weekend nearest to 10th June.
In 2023, it took place between the 16th and 18th June. In 2024, the Moors and Christians Festival in Mojácar will take place between the 14th and 16th June 2024.
Moors and Christians Mojacar Image by Mojacar.es
Wondering what to expect at Mojacar Moors and Christians Festival? The programme may vary but it typically follows a similar schedule. Here's a look at the 2023 programme to give you a sense of the activities during the festival. On the Friday of the festival, at 12:00 p.m. the medieval market opened in the Plaza Nueva and in Glorieta street. There were dozens of stalls with artisan products, food, drinks and even children's rides.
From 1:00 p.m. the Kabila of the Old Moors and the Los Templarios barracks opened for the day party, with the accompaniment of music bands and the best gastronomy.
Late on Friday afternoon, the traditional delivery of the keys to the city will take place. At 7:00 p.m. the trabuqueros gather in the multipurpose building of La Fuente, to later regroup all the troops at 7:30 p.m. in the Moorish fountain itself, where the Moorish king will hand over the keys to the Christians of Mojácar. Later, at 8:00 p.m., the troops will go up to the town, with music bands, fireworks and rifle salutes.
They arrive at the Plaza Nueva at approximately 9:30 p.m. to pronounce the traditional proclamation after which the kábilas and barracks will officially open to eat, dance and drink until 4:00 a.m.
On the Saturday, the activities move to the beach, although the medieval market, the kábilas and barracks will be open in the town. At 5:00 p.m. the trabuqueros gather on Lance Nuevo beach, in front of Pueblo Indalo. At 6:00 p.m. there was a horse ride and dressage exhibition, with shots from the sea and land.
Next, on the sand of the beach, the medieval tournament will take place. On the back of their steeds, Moors and Christians fight for the handkerchiefs hung by the ladies. Finally, there was a parade of troops along the coast, from the Ankara beach bar to the Red Cross post. At night the party moved to the town, in the barracks and kábilas until 4:00.
On Sunday the festivities begin with gunpowder, with a barrage of Moorish and Christian riflemen on the beach of Las Ventanicas at 12:00. In the afternoon, the great Moors and Christians parade will be held, departing at 6:30 p.m.
They walk the streets with their gala clothes, weapons, music bands and fanfare. In 2023, the Cisneros opened the procession of Christians, followed, in this order, by the Templarios and the Bandoleros, who exercise the captaincy. The Moors were led by the Tuareg Moxacar, followed by Moriscos Ali Olé, Aljama Mudéjar and the Moros Viejos, who hold the captaincy.
The programme is subject to variations from year to year and more details are available closer to the date.
If you're visiting Mojácar to experience the festival, do take some time to discover the charms of the village. Mojácar is one of the prettiest white villages in Andalucia! Click here to read more about Mojácar and what makes it special.
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