Origin of the Moors and Christians Festival of Villena
A Living Tradition Since 1476
The history of the Moors and Christians Festival of Villena dates back to 1476, when the city proclaimed the Virgin of Virtues as its patron saint and protector against a plague.
Following this proclamation, a collective vow was made: to embark on two pilgrimages each year to the Shrine of the Virgin, located about 7 km from the town centre.
This spiritual commitment eventually transformed into a festive tradition, deeply ingrained in Villena’s identity.
1905: Parade on Calle Nueva
The “Soldadesca”: The Origins of the Festival
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the pilgrimages began to take shape.
The soldadesca, a local militia, joined the events with organised parades, arquebuses, and salutes of honour.
There is evidence of their participation in pilgrimages as early as 1586, and by 1638, their involvement had become a regular feature.
This militia was the precursor to what would later become “comparsas”.
From Religious Fervour to Civic Spectacle
At the start of the 19th century, theatrical embassies and the first symbolic confrontations between Moors and Christians were introduced.
In 1838, the first comparsas appeared, the effigy of Muhammad—brought from Biar—was introduced, and the first embassy castle was erected.
Moreover, following the expulsion of the friars after the confiscation of church property in 1835, the Virgin was moved to the city, altering the original meaning of the pilgrimage.
By 1845, the festivities were officially documented as the “Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos” (Moors and Christians Festival), and in 1848, the basic celebration schedule was established between September 6 and 9, a structure that has remained largely unchanged, with occasional expansions, to this day.
First “comparsas” and Initial Development
In 1849, four comparsas were registered: “Moros” (Moors), “Cristianos” (Christians), “Romanos” (Romans), and “Estudiantes” (Students).
By 1863, the number had been reduced to three (Estudiantes had disappeared), and by 1884, there were nine comparsas.
The final number of 14 comparsas was established in 1967, divided into two factions:
Moorish Faction: “Moros Viejos” (Old Moors), “Moros Nuevos” (New Moors), “Bando Marroquí” Moroccan Faction, “Moros Realistas” (Royalist Moors), “Moros Nazaríes” (Nasrid Moors), “Moros Bereberes” (Berber Moors), and “Piratas” (Pirates).
Christian Faction: “Estudiantes” (Students), “Marinos Corsarios” (Corsair Sailors), “Andaluces” (Andalusians), “Labradores” (Farmers), “Ballesteros” (Crossbowmen), “Almogávares” (Almogavars), and “Cristianos” (Christians).
2009: Bereberes’ Parade.