If you are anywhere near the Costa Blanca this week, the Moors and Christians festival in Alcoy is well worth seeing at least once.
It runs from 25 to 27 April 2026, and it is widely considered the most important celebration of its kind in Spain.
Not your average fiesta
This is not a small local parade. The whole town gets involved, and we are talking about thousands of participants, full costumes, marching bands and enough noise to wake the neighbours in the next province.
The festival dates back centuries and recreates a historic battle from 1276, when locals defended the town. According to tradition, Saint George appeared during the fight, which is why everything centres around him.
Alcoy’s three days of fun
The main events follow what is known as the “trilogía festera”, basically three packed days where something is always happening.
Saturday 25 April – The Entradas
This is the big one. If you only go for one day, make it this.
The morning sees the Christian side parade through the streets in full armour, music and ceremony. Then in the afternoon, the Moors take over with a completely different style. Enjoy colour, detail and serious effort in the costumes.
It is long, loud and very impressive.
Sunday 26 April – Day of Saint George
A slightly more traditional feel, with religious events, processions and a strong focus on the town’s patron saint. Families are out, children take part and the atmosphere shifts a bit from spectacle to tradition.
Monday 27 April – The battle (Alardo)
This is where things get noisy. Very noisy.
The Moors and Christians stage a full mock battle using arcabuses, which basically means controlled explosions echoing around the town. It ends with the symbolic taking and retaking of the castle.
Why people travel for it
There are plenty of Moros y Cristianos fiestas across the region, but Alcoy is the original and still the benchmark. It has been recognised as a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
Bridging the Gap’s top tips
If you are heading up, go early and expect crowds. Parking is not the easiest, and the centre gets busy very quickly.
That said, it is absolutely worth the effort. Even if you only see it once, it is one of those proper Costa Blanca experiences that sticks with you.
