Event Details
What is the Moors and Christians Festival in Villena?
The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festival in Villena, a town in the province of Alicante, is considered the most participatory celebration of its kind in all of Spain. Around 12,000 festeros, divided into 14 comparsas (seven Moorish and seven Christian groups), parade through the streets for five days to honor the town's patron saint, the Virgen de las Virtudes. The festival has been officially declared a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest.
When is Moros y Cristianos 2026 in Villena?
In 2026 the festival runs from 4 to 9 September. On 4 September, the Entrada marks the arrival of the Virgen de las Virtudes in the town; 5 September is the "Día Grande" (Big Day), featuring the Fiesta del Pasodoble in the morning and the Gran Entrada of all comparsas in the afternoon. The celebrations close on 9 September with the farewell to the Virgin.
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Program and Highlights: What Can Visitors Expect in Villena?
- Entrada: the ceremonial arrival of the Virgen de las Virtudes on 4 September
- Fiesta del Pasodoble and Gran Entrada of the 14 comparsas on 5 September
- Cabalgata (night parade) with especially elaborate costumes on 6 September
- Embajadas, theatrical embassies staged at the Atalaya Castle
- Arcabucería, gunpowder salutes and mock battles between the two sides
- Conversión del Moro al Cristianismo, the symbolic conversion ceremony
- Ofrenda, a floral offering honoring the town's patron saint
- More than 33 percent of Villena's population takes an active part in the festival
Entry and Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Attend?
Access to the streets and watching the parades is free; visitors can follow the processions along Avenida de la Constitución and the surrounding streets at no charge. Those who prefer a seat can book a tribuna (a covered grandstand with numbered seating); these seats are paid and tend to sell out early due to high demand.
How to Get to Villena, Alicante
Villena is located in the northwest of the province of Alicante and is well connected to Spain's rail network. From Alicante, trains reach Villena directly in about 35 to 40 minutes; direct train connections also exist from Madrid and Valencia. Buses from several operators serve the town as well. The nearest international airport is Alicante Elche (ALC).
Visitor Tips for the Villena Festival
- Book accommodation well in advance, as Villena fills up quickly during the fiestas.
- For the Gran Entrada and the Cabalgata, secure a spot along Avenida de la Constitución hours ahead of time.
- Bring ear protection for children, as the Arcabucería involves loud gunpowder blasts.
- Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, since the parades often last several hours.
- Carry enough water during the day, as temperatures in Villena can still be high in September.
