Moors and Christians Fiesta

Moors and Christians in Benidorm 2025: 2–5 October

Benidorm is a city where festivals take centre stage, with countless celebrations throughout the year that are a major attraction for visitors.

Among them, the Moors and Christians Festival, held at the beginning of October, stands out for its pageantry, tradition, and vibrant community participation.

📜 History and Tradition

The Moors and Christians festivities are deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of the Valencia Region, particularly in the provinces of Alicante and Valencia. Their symbolic origins date back to the Battle of Lepanto, when these performances began as courtly entertainments before later moving into the streets and squares.

In Benidorm, as in other towns of southern Valencia, the celebration recalls episodes from the Reconquista and the defence against Berber raids, paying tribute to patron saints such as Saint George or, in Benidorm’s case, especially Saint James (San Jaime).

Over several days, the story of the clash between the Moorish and Christian factions is dramatically re-enacted, symbolising both confrontation and reconciliation between cultures. The festivities feature spectacular parades, traditional music with drums and shawms, dazzling costumes, and the controlled use of festive gunpowder, creating a truly unique visual and sensory experience.

🏰 Moors and Christians Benidorm 2025 – Main Events

📅 Official dates: 2–5 October 2025
🎺 Pre-festival events: From Saturday, 27 September
📎 See the full programme in PDF 👉 [Moors and Christians 2025 here]

Programme Highlights

Saturday, 27 September

• 19:00 – Gathering and Street Parade

• 20:00 – 26th “Villa de Benidorm” Composition Contest & Ceremony of Festive Appointments

Thursday, 2 October

• 17:00 – Opening of the Medieval Camp

• 20:00 – Moorish Invasion Parliament

Friday, 3 October

• 10:30 – Diana Festera (Morning Parade)

• 20:00 – Christian Reconquest and Embassy

Saturday, 4 October

• 10:30 – Diana Festera (Morning Parade)

• 20:00 – Grand Moorish and Christian Entrance Parade

Sunday, 5 October

• 12:00 – Parliament of Peace

• 12:30 – Floral Offering to Saint James the Apostle

• 13:00 – Solemn High Mass

• 20:00 – Retreta (Closing Parade)

📍 Key Locations

Most activities take place across three main areas in the city centre:

• Plaza de SSMM Reyes de España (Festival Castle)

• Calle Escuelas and Tomás Ortuño

• Plaza de la Hispanidad

👉 If you want the best view, especially for the Grand Entrance Parade on Saturday evening, be sure to arrive early.