Moors and Christians of Villena

The Moors and Christians festival in Villena, Spain (Spanish: Moros y Cristianos), is celebrated from 4th to 9th September in honour of Nuestra Señora de las Virtudes, (Our Lady of the Virtues), patron saint of the city and Advocate against the Plague.

These parades involve a significant portion of the local population and bring together up to 120 marching and music bands from various regions of southeastern Spain.

[2] Its origin dates back to 1474, when the Virgen de las Virtudes (Our Lady of the Virtues), was proclaimed Patroness of the town and protector against the Plague.

Interest in the historical authenticity of the costumes has grown through the proliferation of so-called special squads (Escuadras Especiales), a phenomenon that has spread in the second half of the 20th century.

As a result, a costume industry has developed in Villena since the 1970s, leading to the creation of jobs and the organization of specialized fairs, particularly for footwear, leather goods, precious stones, textiles, metals, makeup, and other crafts related to the festival.

A Moor comparsa at La Entrada parade in Villena
First Embassy play in the Atalaya Castle .
Comparsa of Moros Nuevos in 1884.
Comparsa of Moros Nazaríes marching on La Entrada parade.
Squad from the Comparsa of Cristianos .
A feminine Special Squad.
La Entrada parade, 2009