“Desfile de la Esperanza” (Parade of Hope)
Day
September 7
Time
19:00h
Location
From Avenida de la Constitución to the beginning of Calle Nueva
The future of the festival walks with hope
The Desfile de la Esperanza is far more than a children’s procession, it’s a celebration of continuity, heritage, and the future of Villena’s Moors and Christians Festival. Every September 7 at 7:00 PM, the city fills with joy, music, and colour as the youngest members of the 14 comparsas take to the streets with enthusiasm and pride.
A source of festive excitement
This parade symbolizes the passing of the torch from one generation to the next. Children, many of them wearing faithful replicas of their comparsas’ official costumes, experience for the first time the thrill of marching, the music of the bands, and the pride of representing their comparsa in front of cheering crow8ds.
The name “Desfile de la Esperanza” (Parade of hope) reflects its true meaning: the hope of the future, the promise of continuity, and the commitment to raising generations who will love and preserve our traditions. Today’s children are tomorrow’s captains, corporals, second lieutenants, and regidors. Here, under the festive lights and music, a lifelong love for the festival begins to take shape.
A festive learning experience
In addition to the emotional and symbolic aspect, the Desfile de la Esperanza has an educational value. Children learn the meaning of their positions, respect for order, the importance of festive music, and the role each person plays within their comparsa. For many Villena families, this parade is one of the most anticipated moments of the festive calendar.