Tradition, words, and gunpowder at the foot of the Castle
The Moors and Christians Embassies are one of the oldest, most intense, and most representative events of the Villena festivities. It is a spectacular theatrical performance, full of emotion and symbolism, that recreates the verbal—and later armed—confrontation between the two sides, with texts dating back to the early 19th century.
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 War and the Moorish Embassy to the Christian
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.
During the descent from the Castle, La Mahoma leads the parade, accompanied by the Comparsa de Moros Viejos (Old Moors Troupe) and the band of the Moroccan Side, followed by the rest of the troupes in traditional order. The Christians salute her as she passes with arquebus fire, as a sign of respect and farewell.