Valencia Trader

Moors and Christians in Bocairent

Parades, battles, invasions, victories and reconquest: the Moors and Christian celebration is one of the most deeply rooted traditions in the Valencian Community. It is a colourful celebration which is held in honour of San Blas and has been declared of National Interest.

San Blas, the patron saint of Bocairent, is the main character in the Moors and Christians festival, which has been declared a National Fiesta of Tourism Interest.
Bocairent will be decked out for the occasion: Splendorous and colourful parades, music in the streets, lights and the festive ambience, the dedication of the locals to every detail, all make this occasion truly special and well worth visiting and taking part in the festivities.

The scheduled event is packed. Don't miss the entrances of both factions, on the one hand the Christians, with the Espanyoletos, the grenadiers, the smugglers, the infantry of Zuavos and the students; and on the other, the Moors, with the elders, the Marrocs, the Moorish Marines and the Musketeers. They will all march in a lavish parade that will be a magnificent spectacle of music and colour.

You won't want to miss the battle between the Moors and the Christians. It takes place on a day in which the Moorish and Christian ambassadors meet, and the castle is stormed and reconquered, culminating in the traditional celebration of Mahoma, the name given to a four metre high effigy made of cardboard and stone, which is packed with fireworks that, when fired off, is set ablaze, burning to ashes in celebration of the storming and subsequent recovery of the castle by the Christian side.

Bocairent at one time was called “Bekirén” by the Moslems, because it is shaped like a pine tree or a beehive. Today it is a repository of history and traditions, which are manifest in every corner, particularly the medieval quarter, as well as in its monuments, museums and places of interest, such as the Covets dels Moros. The surroundings are unique, especially the Sierra Mariola, with its lovely scenery, and wealth of flora and fauna. In addition, the city is known for its rich gastronomy, with delicious recipes such as les  pericanes, mulladors, olles, putxero amb pilota, as well as for its cold meats and sweets, adding to the enchantment of the place and making it well worth a visit. 

For more information, go to:- bocairent moors