Moors and Christians festival in Spain see also overview of traditional festivals in Spain

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 Valencian Community, to commemorate the battle, between Moor (or Muslims) and Christians. The festivals represent the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian reconquest.

The festival dates back hundred of years and commemorates the end of 800 years of Moorish rule in Spain a period of history that had an enormous influenced on Spanish culture.

Festival with foreworks in Spain

The succession of cultures that one-by-one set foot on the Iberian peninsula have each left a lasting mark on every facet of Spain's culture: language, music, art, architecture for example the graceful arches of Granada’s Alhambra and, of course, food.

It was the Moors who, during their centuries of reign, most impacted Spanish gastronomy. They introduced fruits and light seasonings into the Iberian diet, as well as combinations of fruits and nuts with meats and fish. Rice - a genuine staple of Spanish gastronomy - and therefore Spain's vast array of rice dishes, come straight from the Moors.

Town and villages stage mock battles between opposing ‘armies’ of the Moors and Christians. The clashes between the two sides are good natured fun strictly tongue in cheek. In fact the real battle these days is which side has the most impressive costumes.

Each town puts it own spin on the proceeding and more than 150 Moors and Christians festivals held throughout the year, from small village affairs to sensational spectacles