Moors and Christians in Bocairent

It celebrates: From 3rd February to 6th February
Place: Bocairent (Valencia)
Category: Historical
Popularity: (***) 3/5
Ideal for children
Organize: Bocairent City Council
Figure of protection: Festival of National Tourist Interest
Tags:
National Tourist InterestMoors and Christians
Reading time: 1 minute and a half

The Moors and Christians festival in Bocairent, Valencia, is an event of National Tourist Interest, where a special tribute to Sant Blai is paid.

What is the festival about?

It is an event of great majesty, which combines color, live music, beautiful costumes and lots of gunpowder to provide participants with a festivity full of entertainment, that will undoubtedly remain in the imagination of all attendees.

This festivity takes place over several days, starting on Friday with the participants wearing the traditional Bocairentina blanket. On Saturday the traditional parade begins, both of the Moors and the Christians.

Sunday is the most significant for the attendees, since the Sant Blai procession takes place. The next day, the Moors and Christians will start the contest to conquer the Castle, accompanied by the effects of gunpowder and finally, on Tuesday, the "Despojo del Moro" will take place, a colorful musical act.

Origin of this festivity

The origin of this festival dates back to the battles that took place during the Reconquest, when the Christians of the kingdoms of Spain managed to conquer the domains occupied by the Moors (Muslim people).

Also, it refers to the Saracen rebellions, the expulsion of the Moors and the continuous attacks of the Berber pirates, all these events that occurred during the seventeenth century.

What to do in Bocairent?

Bocairent is a town located in Valencia, Spain, which invites the traveler to an authentic adventure such as the famous Les Covets dels Moros route. It is a paradisiacal and mysterious place, full of caves and secret passages with years of history.

During the tour you can also visit the Hermitage of Santo Cristo, with a beautiful stone bell tower. Another place to visit is the Old Town that, without a doubt, will make you feel as if you are part of its historical past.

On the other hand, if you want to enjoy its excellent gastronomy, you cannot stop savoring the delicious "gazpacho de la Mariola, the stew, the olleta" or the wide variety of sweets, which can be accompanied with the "herbero", an exquisite liquor made from anise and different herbs from the Sierra.

Upcoming festivals

Rapa Das Bestas

From 1st July to 4th July
Estrada, A (Pontevedra)
Rapa Das Bestas
We invite you to discover an ancestral tradition in Sabucedo (Pontevedra) called Rapa Das Bestas, which consists of cutting the manes of wild horses and is celebrated from 1 to 4 July 2022.

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
The San Fermines
The festival of San Fermin is a celebration of great tourist interest that mobilizes all of Spain and takes place every year in Pamplona, Navarra and where the traditional celebration begins with the launch of the so-called 'Chupinazo' from the balcony of the town hall.

Caracolá Lebrijana

From 6th July to 15th July
Lebrija (Sevilla)
One of the most important flamenco festivals in the entire Spanish territory, the Caracolá Lebrijana, has been attended by countless artists such as Juan Peña 'El Lebrijano', Curro Malena, Camarón, among others. Every year, the figure of one of them is recognized for their key role in flamenco culture.

Cider Festival of Nava

From 7th July to 9th July
Nava (Asturias)
An iconic celebration honoring this beverage. With concerts, cider tastings, and notable events like the Escanciadores Contest, it attracts thousands of people each year. An unmissable experience for cider lovers.

International Festival of Ortigueira

From 9th July to 16th July
Ortigueira (Coruña)
Known internationally, it attracts crowds with its seaside stage, concerts by renowned artists, and vibrant festive atmosphere. An unforgettable experience on the magical Galician coast.

Festivals this weekend

The weirdest and strangest popular festivals

Festivals categories

Themes

Most searched

Older festivals

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
Since XII century

Most recent festivals