Press and Recognition: A Festival That Leaves Its Mark
Prestige Earned Through History, Effort, and Passion
The Moors and Christians Festival of Villena not only excites those who experience it but has also earned recognition and appreciation both within and outside the city due to its cultural, social, and tourist impact.
From official awards to national press coverage, Villena has proven that its festivals are a model to follow and a driving force of identity for the entire Valencian Community.
Declaration of National Tourist Interest for the Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena
The Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena hold a recognition that highlights their immense cultural, historical, and social value: the designation as a Festival of National Tourist Interest. This official title, granted by the Spanish State, places the festivities among the most outstanding and renowned celebrations in the entire country.
When did the Festivities receive this recognition?
The Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena were declared of National Tourist Interest in 2015. The recognition was granted by the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism on February 19, 2015.
Requirements for the designation
The Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena achieved this recognition after proving that they met the criteria required by the Spanish State:
+ Antiquity and continuity: documented since the 15th century and celebrated without interruption in the contemporary era.
+ Popular roots: massive participation of the local community and the leading role of the comparsas (festive groups).
+ Originality and uniqueness: distinctive events that set Villena apart from other places, such as the Entrada, the Embajadas (Embassies), or the Arcabucería (musket firing).
+ Dissemination and impact: regular presence in national press, television, and media.
Path towards international recognition
The declaration of National Tourist Interest in 2015 was a major milestone for Villena and its most emblematic festival. This title opened the door to an even more ambitious goal: the declaration of International Tourist Interest, a recognition that would place the Moors and Christians Festivities of Villena among the most outstanding celebrations worldwide.
Awards That Endorse Its Tourist Value
Recognition for an Exemplary Career
Villena has received several awards for its tourism promotion capacity, rich heritage, and the uniqueness of its festivals.
Alimara Award (1994)
Awarded by the Official School of Tourism of Barcelona for the “Villena, un tesoro” campaign.
Bronze Plaque for Tourism Merit (2002)
Awarded by the Provincial Tourism Board of the Costa Blanca.
Cicerone Award (2007)
Presented by the Association of Tourist Information Officers of the Valencian Community (APITCVA), for the best monumental tourist attraction.
Villena in the Press: Front Pages That Made History
For over a century, Villena’s festivals have been making headlines.
In 1899, they were already featured in the pages of the newspaper ABC, and in 1956, they returned to the front page.
This media visibility has helped establish Villena as a national benchmark for the Moors and Christians festivals.
Additionally, over the years, articles, reports, and interviews have been published in print media, on radio, television, and more recently, on digital platforms and social media.
Film, Photography, and Audiovisual Archive
Images That Immortalise a Tradition
Since 1929, when the first film about the festival was shot, Villena has been the subject of numerous audiovisual works that have captured its festive essence:
+ Historical recordings from 1969 to the present.
+ Documentaries and television productions.
Photographic and graphic material displayed in the “Museo Festero”, including posters, old programmes, and portraits of notable festival figures.
This documentary collection is key to understanding the evolution and professionalisation of the festival over more than a century.