Villena’s Entrada
Day
September 5
Time
16:00h
Location
From Avenida de Elche to the intersection of Coronel Selva and San Isidro Streets
A Vibrant Beginning Full of History and Emotion
Every September 5, the city of Villena is transformed. At exactly 4:00 PM, one of the most anticipated and emotionally charged events of the Moors and Christians Festival begins: La Entrada. This parade marks the official start of the festivities, and with it, the streets come alive in an unforgettable display of music, colour, and tradition. It is not only the first major act of the celebration but also one of its most iconic and deeply rooted in Villena’s identity.
Origin and Significance
La Entrada traces its origins to ancient municipal militias and early “soldiers” who once marched through the town. Over the decades, it evolved into the spectacular parade we know today.
A key milestone came in 1922, when the pasodoble “La Entrada”, composed by Villena maestro Quintín Esquembre, was premiered. Written at the request of local residents to be accessible for the city’s young musicians, the piece has since become a symbol of the festival and of Villena itself. Every year since, this heartfelt composition opens the parade, played by the Laureate Municipal Band of Villena, marking the first emotional notes of the week-long celebration.
The Route
Start: Corner of Calle Nueva and Avenida de Elche End: Intersection of Coronel Selva and San Isidro Streets The parade moves through the historic heart of Villena in this traditional order:
Moorish Faction, led by the Moorish Ambassador and accompanied by the Comparsa de Moros Viejos.
The parade moves through the historic heart of Villena in this traditional order:
The route crosses the main streets of the historic center, ending on Avenida de la Constitución, at the intersection of Coronel Selva and San Isidro streets.
Music, Tradition, and Emotion
La Entrada is more than a parade; it’s a multisensory journey. The roar of arquebuses, the glint of sequins and silk, the cadence of drums and footsteps, the unmistakable strains of the pasodoble “La Entrada” Attending La Entrada is experiencing the festive spirit in its purest form.
If you visit Villena during the festivities, this parade is a must-see. It’s a tradition that unites generations, bringing families, neighbours, and visitors together in a moment of collective pride.