Unique Elements of Villena's Moors and Christians Festival
The Conversion of the Moor to Christianity
Villena is one of the few towns that preserves a performance as unique as the Conversion of the Moor to Christianity. This deeply symbolic event is part of the Moors and Christians Festival and offers an experience that is both theatrical and emotional. It is a staging with a 17th-century text by Diego de Ornedillo, reminiscent of the old comedies of the Spanish Golden Age.
The Embassies: Living History in Monumental Settings
The Moors and Christians Embassies of Villena are one of the most emblematic and emotional events of the festival. This theatrical performance, with 19th-century texts, takes on a unique significance as it takes place in two incomparable historical settings: the Atalaya Castle and the Church of Santiago. These spaces are uniquely represented, and they make each embassy a unique experience.
The Effigy of “Mahoma” (Muhammad): A Unique Tradition Shared with Biar
Among the many peculiarities that make Villena’s Moors and Christians Festival unique, one figure stands out, steeped in history and meaning: the Effigy of “Mahoma” (Muhammad). This figure, beyond a historical or religious figure, represents the Christian victory in the context of the embassies and symbolic acts of the festival.