The Moors and Christians Festivities in Denia will not leave you indifferent. It is one of the most deeply-rooted festivites in the Valencian Community and one of the most famous in the provinces of Valencia and Alicante. Declared of National Tourist Interest, it is one of the most participative Moors and Christians festivals in the Valencian Community.
How are the Moors and Christians Festivities celebrated in Denia?
The Moors and Christians is the most important festival in the province of Alicante, which celebrates the Christian conquest of the lands occupied by the Arabs. Many towns in the province celebrate these festivities, each one with elements of its own history. But if there is one thing that unites all the Moorish and Christian celebrations in the province of Alicante, it is the spectacle of these parades, the abundance of colours, the music and the active participation of the local population.
In the city of Denia, the parades take place mainly in the city centre. The Marqués de Campo street dresses up to welcome the Moors and Christians.
When are the Moors and Christians Festivities celebrated in Denia?
The Moors and Christians Festivities take place every year between the 13th and 16th of August. During these festivities, the programme highlights the disembarkation and the wake-up calls, as well as the Gala Parade, in which Moors and Christians dress up in their costumes and parade to the rhythm of music and a festive procession.
In the city of Denia, the great Moors and Christians festival is celebrated on August 15th, a public holiday.
What is the programme of the Moors and Christians Festivities in Denia?
The Moors and Christians Festivities last several days. Therefore, the programme may vary from one year to another. However, we always find the same activities on August 16th.
On the 16th of August, at 11.00 a.m., a mass in honour of San Roc will be celebrated in the parish church of Nuestra Señora de la Asunción. At 1 p.m., a solemn Christian speech will take place, followed by a battle of arquebuses in La Via street. Afterwards, at 18:30, we will gather again to witness the surrender and the miracle of the fog in La Vía street. At 20:30 we will be able to attend the procession in honour of San Roc. At 10.00 p.m. there will be the retreat and the final firing in the Town Hall Square, which will end with a firework display projected from the port of Denia at midnight.