“Bando Marroquí” (Moroccan Band)
History, Character, and Legend Since 1866
Bando Marroquí, popularly known as “Los Marruecos”, is one of the most distinctive and deeply rooted groups in Villena’s festivals.
Founding and Historical Background
Los Marruecos traces its founding back to 1866, according to oral tradition, with its origins documented on a damascened arquebus that reads: “VILLENA. COMPARSA DE MARRUECOS. 1866”.
Its first official name was “Bando de Marroquíes del Riff” although throughout Villena, they have always been colloquially known as Los Marruecos.
They also have a festive nickname: “Los Arrastraos” which stems from the historic performances during retreats, where members dragged white sheets from their mounts.
Humble Origins, Gigantic Spirit
The comparsa has its roots in the carpenters‘ guild and was founded by Antonio Guillén, a master carpenter and cooper, in his house on Blasco Street (currently number 10).
Since then, the Moroccan Band has continuously evolved, maintaining a unique identity that blends military tradition, Moorish inspiration, and a deep sense of community belonging.
The current “Casa del Bando Marroquí”, located on Ferriz Street, is owned by the group and includes a restaurant, meeting rooms, a hall, and its own museum, inaugurated in 1994 and reopened in 1999.
The museum houses a rich festival heritage, including photographs, documents, flags, costumes, and historical artifacts such as the legendary wooden cannon from 1927.
Uniformity and Structural Pillars
The Bando Marroquí is grounded in four fundamental pillars, which are reflected in its uniform and parade style:
Men’s Backpacks
Inspired by 19th-century Spanish military slingers, the men’s uniforms feature a backpack, a rolled cape, an apron, gauntlets, and a distinctive martial step. The arquebus is worn over the left shoulder.
Women’s Backpacks
Introduced in 1996 as a counterpart to the men’s, the women’s backpacks include a shovel, backpack, military step, and accessories inspired by the slingers.
Men’s Capes
The short cape and the tradition of parading on horseback suggest that the Moroccan Band originally had a cavalry-inspired origin. The men’s capes preserve this essence to this day.
Women’s Capes
Since 1988, women have joined the comparsa wearing this style.
They march alongside the Moorish faction, adding elegance and solemnity to the parade with their distinctive presence.