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Parade of a Christian filà of Moros i Cristians festival in Alcoi (Alacant).

Parade of a Moor filà of Moros i Cristians festival in Ibi.

For other uses, see Moros y cristianos (disambiguation).

Moros i Cristians (in Catalan) or Moros y Cristianos (in Spanish), literally means "Moors and Christians", and is a set of festival activities which are celebrated in many towns and cities of Spain, principally in the Land of Valencia, to commemorate the battles, combats and fights between Moors (or Muslims) and Christians during the period known as Reconquista (from the 8th century through the 15th century).

The festivals represent the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian reconquest. The people that take part in the festival are usually enlisted in filaes or comparsas (companies that represent the Christian or Moor legions), and for several days, they parade with costumes inspired by Medieval fashion. Christians wear fur, metallic helmets, and armor, fire loud arquebuses, and ride horses. In contrast, Moors wear ancient Arab costumes, carry scimitars, and ride real camels or elephants. The festival develops among shots of gunpowder, medieval music, and fireworks, and ends with the Christians winning a simulated battle around a castle.

The most well-known Moros i Cristians festival takes place in Alcoi from 22 to 24 April, around the Feast Day of Saint George (Catalan: Sant Jordi ; Spanish: San Jorge). According to legend, when James I of Aragon reconquered the city of Alicante, the Moors got quite angry and tried to recover it some years after. But, when they were about to start the battle again, Saint George miraculously appeared to the Moors, who were frightened away.

Other remarkable Moros i Cristians festivals are celebrated in the towns of La Vila Joiosa (with its desembarc), Biar, Cocentaina, Crevillent, El Campello, Elda, Muro d'Alcoi, Ontinyent, Oriola, Petrer, Villena and some districts of Alacant city. The most ancient festival is celebrated in Caudete (Albacete), dated from 1588.

• Reconquista
• History of Catalonia

• Unión Nacional de Entidades Festeras de Moros y Cristianos, Web page of the official organism, in Spanish.
• Fotos Moros y Cristianos, Pictures of Moros i Cristians festival in La Vila Joiosa.
• Alcoy Foto Pictures of Alcoy and La fiesta de moros y cristianos in Alcoy.
• Moros i Cristians of Alcoi.
• Moros y Cristianos of Villena.
• Junta Festera de Moros i Cristians del Campello, Web page of the official organism.
• Tourist information Travel guide and info.