Late summer and early autumn Moors and Christians’ Festivals in Andalucia
There are more than 3000 festivals in Andalucia every year and it is safe to say that this part of Spain loves to party! Some of the biggest and liveliest of the festivals, which are particularly popular in the provinces of Granada and Almeria, are the Moors and Christians celebrations.
Moors and Christians’ festivals are popular in many parts of Spain, such as Alicante, Valencia and Alcoi. Although it has to be said that village for village, it is Almeria and Granada which host the most.
The festivals are held on different dates in many villages, towns and cities throughout the province. They are rather tongue in cheek affairs celebrating Moorish rule and the unmistakable mark several hundreds of Moorish tenet had on Spain. The Moors were in Spain from 711 to 1492, which equates to approximately twice the time that the Romans were in Britain.
These festivals in Andalucia commemorate the time when the heavily outnumbered Christians drove the Moors out of Spain. Spaniards have been celebrating that time since the 16th century.
Mock battles take place, much drink is drunk, bands play live music and a great time is had by all. Streets are decked out in a medieval style and colourful replica uniforms are worn by locals who represent both sides of the conflict. A great procession takes place in the streets before the final decisive battle occurs and is watched by hundreds of transfixed onlookers.
In Almeria you can visit several Moors and Christians’ festivals in September and October. In the village of Alcontar, the Virgin del Rosario will take place on 7 October. In La Loma, the San Miguel Festival will be held on 29 September and in Bedar, the Virgin de la Cabeza will take place on 23- 24 September.
Likewise in the Granada province you can take your pick from the San Sebastian Fiesta in the town of Quentar in the first week of October. In Pecina the Virgin Rocio will be held on 8 – 9 September. In the village of Valor, Santo de la Yedra will take place on 15September.
These are just a few of the Moors and Christians festivals in Andalucia during late summer and early autumn. These historical and pulsating celebrations are a great way to witness and experience zealous Spanish tradition.