Moors and Christians Festivities in Ibi

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.

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.

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.

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.