Tradition, words, and gunpowder at the foot of the Castle
Las Embajadas de Moros y Cristianos son uno de los actos más antiguos, intensos y representativos de las fiestas de Villena. Se trata de una espectacular representación teatral cargada de emoción y simbolismo, que recrea el enfrentamiento verbal —y después armado— entre los dos bandos, con textos que datan de principios del siglo XIX.
What makes these Embassies truly unique is their setting: Atalaya Castle, a place not all towns can offer, and which every September 6 and 8 becomes the epicenter of history, gunpowder, and festive art.
6th September
Guerrilla y Embajada del Moro al Cristiano
12:15 h.
The event begins with the departure of the Christian faction’s arquebusiers from Plaza de Santiago, passing through various streets until they occupy the Castle. “Los Estudiantes” open the parade, followed by the rest of the comparsas in the traditional order. Behind them, the Christian Ambassador, accompanied by his pageantry, flags and banners, and the official band of “Comparsa de Cristianos”.
The Moorish faction then sets out toward the Castle from the historic center, led by the arquebusiers of the “Moros Nuevos”. The parade culminates with the arrival of the Moorish Ambassador, his pageantry, the figure of La Mahoma, and the Moros Viejos’ band. The Embassy ends with the capture of the Castle by the Moorish faction, which installs the effigy of La Mahoma, a symbol of its conquest.
8th September
Guerrilla and Christian Embassy to the Moor – 12:15 p.m.
Two days later, the roles are reversed. The Christian faction, led this time by the “Marinos Corsarios”, sets out for the Castle along the route taken by the Moorish faction on the 6th. The parade culminates with the recapture of the Castle after the reenactment of the Christian Embassy to the Moorish faction.
Once the Castle is recaptured, one of the most emotional moments of the festivities takes place: the symbolic handover of La Mahoma to the people of Biar, represented by its authorities, who join the procession for its transfer.
Durante el descenso del Castillo, La Mahoma abre el desfile acompañada por la Comparsa de Moros Viejos y la banda del Bando Marroquí, seguida del resto de comparsas en orden tradicional. Los Cristianos saludan a su paso con disparos de arcabucería, en señal de respeto y despedida.