Moors and Christians Festivities in Ibi

Moors and Christians Festivities in Ibi
It celebrates: From 16th September to 18th September
Place: Ibi (Alicante)
Category: Representation
Popularity: (****) 4/5
Ideal for children
Organize: Ibi City Council
Known start date: Since 1797
Figure of protection: Festival of Autonomous Community Tourist Interest
Tags:
National Tourist InterestMoors and ChristiansUrban
Reading time: 3 minutes and a half

Every year, 9 days after the first Wednesday of September, the Moors and Christians festivities begin in Ibi. Many people wear clothes to simulate, in a playful way, that they belong to one of the troops, to represent the confrontation between the two, which culminates with the conquest of the castle by the Christian troops.

What does the Moors and Christians Festival of Ibi consist of?

The Fiesta de Moros y Cristianos de Ibi is a spectacle that you should definitely see sometime. It lasts 3 days, because it is designed in several stages.

From early in the morning of the first day, all the streets and balconies of the town begin to fill with people, who do not want to miss any detail.

Promotional video Fiestas de Ibi 2016

The events begin 9 days after the first Wednesday in September. At 8:00 am, with the Diana Festera, the Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos begin in a musical atmosphere. The first part of the event consists of the concentration of the Christians, who make their parade to enter the town at 11:00 hours. And at 17:00 hours it is the turn of the Moors.

During these parades, all those present will be able to appreciate the comparsas. On the Christian side are Almogávades, Cides, Contrabandistas, Guerreros Templarios. And for the Moorish side there are Almoravids, Algerians, Bedouins, Chumberos, Mudéjares, Pirates and Tuareg. Each side has its Captain and each comparsa has its Abanderada.

Photos courtesy of the Moors and Christians Commission of Ibi
Photos courtesy of the Moors and Christians Commission of Ibi

On the second day of the fiestas, the children's parade takes place, followed by the re-enactment of the battle, in which the Moors take over the Castle. The last act of the day is the Floral Offering to the Patron Saint of the town.

On the third and last day of the Moors and Christians Festival, an event organised by the Comparsa de Moros Chumberos takes place, which represents the summary trial and execution by firing squad of the traitorous Moor. Then, in the afternoon, the Christian Embassy is held, when the Christians recover the Castle.

At the end of the parade, the Return to the Castle begins, in which the troupes turn around and are accompanied by those who wish to accept the commitment to be captains or standard bearers for the following year.

Children's parade. Photos courtesy of the Moors and Christians Commission of Ibi
Children's parade. Photos courtesy of the Moors and Christians Commission of Ibi

The whole event ends with the Solemn Procession of the Virgen de los Desamparados, in which everyone walks through the streets of the town, accompanying the image of the Virgin.

Origin of the Fiestas of Ibi

According to studies carried out by experts, the origin of these festivities is related to the year 1630, when the festivities were held in honour of Saint Joseph for the protection of their crops. But, in 1797, the festivities changed to Moors and Christians, because there were already permits to shoot firearms for festivities in the streets of the town and to honour the success of the Christian side in recovering the castle and the town.

From that moment on, a series of elements were used that are still in use today, such as music, gunpowder, flags, the confrontation between the sides and the procession of the Virgen de los Desamparados (Our Lady of the Forsaken).

What other things to see or do in Ibi if you go to the fiesta?

If you have decided to visit Ibi during these dates, one of the stops you should make is the Museo de la Festa, a two-storey structure, where you will find costumes, flags, documents, photographs, weapons and all the elements dedicated to the Moors and Christians Festival.

You can also walk around the town centre and see a series of monuments that are of great value to the whole town, as they represent culture, traditions and its roots. As you walk through the streets of Ibi, you will find a particular architecture, thanks to its very unique buildings.

And if you want to enjoy nature, you can visit municipal natural sites, such as El Barranc dels Molins, or go on ecological routes such as El Camí del Carrascal-Font dels Esbarzerets and Mas del Canyo-Solana Parc Natural Font Roja.

Gastronomy in Ibi

When you are in Ibi, remember to try giraboix, coca amb oli, llegum and rice with rabbit. Among the sweets, be sure to try the fritters, Easter cakes, saginoses, almond cake, among many other delicious dishes.

Upcoming festivals

Baptism of the Child in Palencia

1st January
Palencia (Palencia)
Baptism of the Child in Palencia
On the 1st of January, Palencia celebrates the traditional Baptism of the Child, a procession that has become an ancestral custom, with more than five centuries of history, where the amusing pedrea of sweets and candies takes place.

Los Carochos, the Masquerade of Riofrío de Aliste

1st January
Riofrío de Aliste (Zamora)
Los Carochos, the Masquerade of Riofrío de Aliste
In Riofrío de Aliste they enjoy the New Year in a different way, with the tradition of Los Carochos, a ritual as strange as fun that you have to see, at least once in your life.

Three Kings Parade in Santillana del Mar

5th January
Santillana del Mar (Cantabria)
Three Kings Parade in Santillana del Mar
Every 5th January you can enjoy the Three Kings Parade in Santillana del Mar, an experience where all those attending will witness an authentic journey into the past.

The Three Wise Men Parade in Alcoy

5th January
Alcoy/Alcoi (Alicante)
The Three Wise Men Parade in Alcoy
The Three Kings Parade in Alcoy is one of the oldest in the country, and one of the most special. In this parade the royal pages go up to the balconies to leave the presents, a real spectacle!

Pingüinos, motorcycle rally in Valladolid

From 12th January to 15th January
Valladolid (Valladolid)
Pingüinos, motorcycle rally in Valladolid
Pingüinos is the most radical motorcycle rally in Europe, with freezing temperatures that are compensated by a lively atmosphere with tastings, concerts, excursions and even a Guinness record. Don't miss it!

Festivals this weekend

The weirdest and strangest popular festivals

Festivals categories

Themes

Most searched

Older festivals

The San Fermines

From 6th July to 14th July
Pamplona/Iruña (Navarra)
Since XII century

Most recent festivals