Moors and Christians Festivities in Villena
Villena celebrates its patron saint festivities from 4 to 9 September in honour of Our Lady of Virtues, "la Morenica" as she is known in the town. The Moors and Christians festival in Villena has been celebrated since the 16th century and tells the story of the confrontation between Muslim and Christian troops during the 13th century.
The Moors and Christians Festival of Villena has been declared of National Tourist Interest and is one of the Spanish festivals not to be missed, one of the oldest in Spain.
What does the Villena Moors and Christians Festival consist of?
From the first day of the fiesta you will be enchanted by its music and entertainment. At nightfall, a fireworks display inaugurates the beginning of the fiesta. Every day, there is a confrontation between the Moors and the Christians with masses and parades.
During this fiesta, the Christian and Muslim troops face each other in a pilgrimage or parade in honour of the Virgin of the Virtues, where dozens of people participate dressed in traditional costumes and to the sound of live music from the more than 12 bands that enliven the parades and cavalcades. Each side can be subdivided into other groups such as: farmers, smugglers, bandits, fishermen, pirates, gypsies, all dressed in their traditional costumes.
The final confrontation takes place in the Palacio de la Atalaya, a symbol of Christian-Muslim interbreeding, representing the reconquest of the city by the Christians and the defeat of the Moors.
What to do and places to visit in Villena during the festival?
There are many places to see when you visit Villena during the Moors and Christians Festival.
- Castillo de la Atalaya: One of the favourite places to visit is the famous Palacio or Castillo de la Atalaya, where the final battle of the fiesta takes place. It is one of the most famous monuments in Villena, and the most eye-catching. The building, of Islamic style, is reconstructed from an old fortification that existed in the same place. The opening hours of Villena Castle are: from Tuesday to Friday, from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm; and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11:00 am, 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm. Admission to the Atalaya Castle is 3 euros (reduced admission is 1.5 euros).
- Villena Treasure: In 1963, 66 pieces of gold, iron, amber and silver dating from the Bronze Age were found in one of the most important archaeological discoveries in Spain. The pieces are on display in the city's Archaeological Museum. It has been declared an Asset of Cultural Interest.
- Villena Municipal Palace: declared a National Historic and Artistic Monument, in Renaissance and Baroque style, the building houses the Town Hall and the city's Archaeological Museum.
