El Campello’s Moors and Christians festival turns 40 this year, and it shows no sign of slowing down.
What began in 1985 as a local celebration in honour of Our Lady of the Unforgettable has grown into one of the most spectacular events on the Costa Blanca calendar. The fiestas draw 2,000 participants and fill the town with music, fireworks, and centuries-old pageantry.
This year’s celebrations include 17 groups, nine Moorish and eight Christian. This follows the debut of a new troupe, the Cavallers de Conquesta (Cavalry of Conquest), proudly joining the Christian ranks.
El Campello’s Moors and Christians festival: Opening night
The festivities officially begin on 8 October with the opening of the medieval market. Followed by the traditional fire run at midnight, a fiery spectacle that lights up the old town.
The midnight fire run.
The fiestas close on 15 October with a pretty impressive fireworks display over the sea.
Between those dates, El Campello transforms into a living stage. Enjoy the festival’s famous highlights: the proclamation, the spectacular disembarkation, the theatrical embassies, the roaring alardo gunpowder battle, the colourful parades of Moors and Christians, and the emotional religious services that round off the celebration.
Mayor Juanjo Berenguer called the event “one of the most participatory and deeply rooted celebrations in our municipality”. He added“over these 40 years, we’ve built a tradition that unites our entire community in a spirit of joy.”
Bringing music to El Campello
In total, 15 bands from towns across the province – including Elda, Sax, Aspe, Alicante, Benidorm, and La Vila Joiosa – will bring together 2,000 musicians. Meanwhile, 244 kilos of gunpowder will be used throughout the festivities. 162 kilos for the landing, 82 for the alardo, plus extra for the correfocs, mascletà (firecrackers), and closing fireworks.
Ninety licensed shooters (40 Christian and 50 Moorish) have completed special training in handling gunpowder.
The landing, officially recognised as a Festival of Provincial Tourist Interest, is one of the most eagerly awaited moments. Fifteen boats will carry 150 costumed participants to Carrer la Mar beach, where crowds will be waiting. They will witness the dramatic re-enactment of the first Moorish-Christian confrontation, arquebuses, smoke, and all.
