After months of sunbathers, sandcastles and too many ice creams, Santa Pola has turned its attention to the annual Moors and Christians celebrations.
For eight days straight, the town throws itself into honouring its patron saint while also staging the Moors and Christians Festival, which has just been given the rather official title of Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in the Valencian Community.
Everything kicks off on the evening of 31 August at the Fortress Castle, where the music, lights and food stalls set the mood for what’s coming.
Then the battles begin. For three days, the town goes back in time with mock fights, muskets firing and plenty of dramatic shouting. It starts with the Moorish landing on Levante Beach and builds up to the grand parade marching through the centre.
Once the smoke clears, the neighbours gather on Calle Elche to share cabasset (a local soup). The next day belongs to the children, with games, bike rides, horse runs and the much-loved correfocs (fire run). This traditional event features “devils” who run through the streets, throwing sparks and fires.
By the 6th, the town explodes with colour during the Multicolour Parade.
The last two days are reserved for the Virgin of Loreto, Santa Pola’s patron saint. On 7 September, the chapel at the Fortress Castle fills with carnations and wreaths as locals bring flowers.
The night is carried by music, courtesy of the town band and choir. The following day, 8 September, is the patron saint’s big day: Mass in the morning, a traditional motet sung in her honour, and a solemn evening procession through the streets.
The final bomb
Of course, no proper Mediterranean fiesta ends without fireworks. The ground-shaking mascletás (firecrackers) roar across the Glorieta on the 1st and 8th, while Levante Beach lights up with firework shows on the 6th and 8th.
The very last blast, the “final bomb”, signals the end of the festivities.
Once upon a time, families would watch it from the port wrapped in jumpers, shivering in the cool September air. But after Spain’s hottest summer on record, chances are the jumpers will stay in the wardrobe this year.
