Moors and Christians Festival, Alcoy-Alcoi

The festival of Moors and Christians is the most important event of the year in Alcoy. It is dedicated to San Jorge, a figure shrouded in ancestral traditions. Celebrated since the 16th century, the festival commemorates a battle that took place in the year 1276. Back in those days, the city lay at the frontier of the territory under Moorish rule on the peninsula. There were frequent skirmishes between the two factions until, on 23 April 1276, the Arab troops of Al-Azraq attempted to storm the town. According to legend, San Jorge appeared during the battle and, thanks to his intervention, the Christian army won the day, forcing the Muslims to retreat and never to return. In thanks, the citizens of Alcoy made him their patron saint, promising to celebrate a festival in his honour each year.