Highlights of the Villena Moors and Christians Festival
Moving Moments, Enduring Tradition
The Villena Moors and Christians Festival, held from September 4th to 9th, is filled with unique moments that combine history, emotion, and spectacle.
Each event has its own meaning, origin, and special way of experiencing it. Below are the main ones.
“La Entrada”. The Grand Entrance
The Entrance marks the official start of the festivities.
It is held every September 5th and is one of the most anticipated parades for festival-goers and visitors. The 14 comparsas, accompanied by marching bands, cross the streets of downtown Villena in a colourful procession filled with spectacular costumes, pageantry, and excitement.
“La Cabalgata” – The Parade
On the evening of the 6th, one of the most visual and original events of the festivities takes place: La Cabalgata.
This parade is unlike any other, due to its more artistic, theatrical, and free-spirited nature. Here, the groups unleash their creativity with special squads, allegorical pageantry, choreography, lights, smoke, and spectacular settings.
Fireworks from Atalaya Castle
A unique spectacle on festive nights.
On the nights of September 4th and 7th, the sky of Villena lights up with spectacular fireworks launched from Atalaya Castle. An explosion of light and colour that marks the beginning and the most exciting moments of the Moors and Christians Festival.
The Embassies
The Embassies are one of the oldest and most symbolic performances of the festival. They are held over two days: the 6th (in the afternoon) and the 8th (at noon), and have the majestic Atalaya Castle as their natural setting.
Conversion of the Moor to Christianity
Few towns preserve this event, and Villena is one of them. The Conversion of the Moor to Christianity is a religious and symbolic representation that takes place in the Archdeacon Church of Santiago and the Sanctuary of Las Virtudes.
“Desfile de la Esperanza” (Parade of Hope)
The little ones also have their moment in the spotlight. The Desfile de la Esperanza, held on the afternoon of September 7, brings together children from all the groups parading in their costumes, many of them exact replicas of those worn by adults.
Pilgrimages and Procession
Although the festive component is the most visible, devotion to the Virgin of Las Virtudes is the origin and essence of these festivities. During the main days, several pilgrimages are held: one from Villena to the Sanctuary (where the Patron Saint is received), and another on the return journey, when she is seen off on the 9th.