Moros y Cristianos in Moraira

Moraira’s spectacular Moors and Christians festival in June

Moros y Cristianos is one of the biggest and most spectacular festivals in Moraira. Every June, the town centre is transformed by elaborate costumes, marching bands, gunpowder, parades and historical performances. Many of the main events take place around Moraira Castle and Playa de l’Ampolla. The Moorish Conquest, Christian Reconquest and final Gala Parade are the three highlights that attract the largest crowds.

Last updated: September 2026

When is Moros y Cristianos in Moraira?

Moros y Cristianos is celebrated every year in June, normally around the second week of the month. In 2026, the official festivities ran from 5 to 14 June. The dates for Moros y Cristianos Moraira 2027 have not yet been officially published. We update this page as soon as the new program is announced.
👉🏻 See our complete Moraira festivals and events calendar.

What is Moros y Cristianos?

Moros y Cristianos, literally Moors and Christians, is a traditional festival celebrated in many towns in the province of Alicante and elsewhere in Spain. Through parades and theatrical performances, the fiestas refer to periods in the history of the Iberian Peninsula when Muslim and Christian kingdoms controlled and contested different territories. In Moraira, the festival has been celebrated since 1990. Participants belong to organised groups known as filaes, representing either the Moorish or Christian side.

The three main highlights

If you cannot attend the entire festival, these are the three events we would try not to miss.

1. Conquista Mora | The Moorish Conquest

On Friday evening, the Moorish side moves towards Playa de l’Ampolla. The dramatic landing and conquest is staged on the beach with music, costumes, lighting, gunpowder and theatrical dialogue as the Moors take control of Moraira. In 2026, the main spectacle began at 11:00 PM.
Our tip: arrive well before the start. The beach and castle area become very busy.
📍 Playa de l’Ampolla

2. Reconquista Cristiana | The Christian Reconquest

The following evening, the Christian side returns. After the Christian embassy and procession towards the beach, the Christians retake Moraira and the castle. In 2026, the main reconquest took place on Saturday evening at 8:00 PM.
📍 Playa de l’Ampolla & Moraira Castle

3. Desfile de Gala | The Grand Gala Parade

For many visitors, the Desfile de Gala is the highlight of the entire festival. All Moorish and Christian filaes parade through the centre in elaborate costumes accompanied by marching bands, horses and carefully choreographed formations. The celebrations traditionally end with fireworks near Moraira Castle.
👉🏻 Read more about fireworks in Moraira.
📍 Moraira town centre

More than just the three main events

Moros y Cristianos lasts for several days. The programme normally also includes:

• presentation of the flags
• flower offerings
• marching bands and concerts
• gunpowder and arquebus fire
• religious celebrations
• informal parades by the filaes
• music and social events

During these days, the whole atmosphere of Moraira changes.

A relatively young Moraira tradition

Moros y Cristianos has a long history in the Valencian Community, but the festival in Moraira itself is relatively young. The first celebrations in Moraira took place in 1990. The original groups included:

• Christian Filà Muladíes
• Moorish Filà Al-Madhrabba
• Moorish Filà Marsa-Mudhayra

More filaes were added over the years and the festival has become one of the key events in Moraira’s annual calendar.

Where is the best place to watch?

For the Moorish Conquest and Christian Reconquest, head towards Playa de l’Ampolla and Moraira Castle. For the Grand Gala Parade, spectators line the streets through the town centre. Seats are placed along parts of the route, but the best positions fill up well before the parade starts.
Our tip: find your place early and combine the wait with a drink or dinner in the centre.

Moros y Cristianos with children

The colourful costumes, marching bands, horses and parades make the festival very impressive for children. However, bear in mind that there can be:

• very loud gunpowder and arquebus shots
• fireworks
• large crowds
• late finishing times
• hot weather during the day

Ear protection can therefore be useful for younger children.

Parking during Moros y Cristianos

Moraira becomes considerably busier during the main festival evenings. Arrive early and expect to park further away from the centre and walk the final part. If your accommodation is within walking distance of Moraira, we would leave the car there during the main events.

Where to stay during Moros y Cristianos

If you want to experience the festival from the heart of Moraira, staying in the town centre is ideal. Several of our apartments are particularly well located:

Moraira Suites
Located directly by the coast with views towards Playa de l’Ampolla and the centre.

Apartment Monica
Right in the centre of Moraira, close to the streets where much of the activity takes place.

Penthouse Moraira I & II
Central apartments with private roof terraces.

Would you rather enjoy the celebrations and then return to a quieter villa with your own swimming pool?
👉🏻 View our holiday homes in Moraira.

Our tip

If you can attend only one evening, we would choose the Grand Gala Parade for a first experience of Moros y Cristianos. If you want to see the most dramatic part of the Moraira celebrations, choose the Moorish Conquest at Playa de l’Ampolla.
But if possible, see all three main events. The Conquest, Reconquest and Gala Parade together are what make Moros y Cristianos such a special part of Moraira’s festival calendar.

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Frequently asked questions about Moros y Cristianos in Moraira

When is Moros y Cristianos in Moraira?
Moros y Cristianos is held every year in June, normally around the second week of the month. In 2026, the official festival ran from 5 to 14 June.

When is Moros y Cristianos Moraira 2027?
The official dates for 2027 have not yet been published. We update this page as soon as the municipality and organisers announce the new program.

What are the main events during Moros y Cristianos?
The three main events are normally the Moorish Conquest on Friday, the Christian Reconquest on Saturday and the Grand Gala Parade on Sunday.

Where does the Moorish Conquest take place?
The Conquista Mora is staged at Playa de l’Ampolla, directly beside Moraira town centre and Moraira Castle.

Where can I watch the Gala Parade?
The Grand Gala Parade travels through the streets of central Moraira. Spectators line the route and seating is placed along some sections.

Is Moros y Cristianos free to attend?
Yes. The main public parades, beach performances and fireworks can normally be watched free of charge.

Is Moros y Cristianos suitable for children?
Yes. Children often enjoy the costumes, horses, bands and parades. However, the gunpowder shots and fireworks can be extremely loud, so ear protection is advisable for younger children.

How early should I arrive?
For the main evening events, arrive well before the advertised start time. The best places around Playa de l’Ampolla and along the Gala Parade route fill quickly.

Where should I park?
Parking in central Moraira is difficult during the busiest events. Arrive early, use parking areas outside the immediate centre and expect to walk part of the way.

What is a filà?
A filà is an organised group of participants belonging to either the Moorish or Christian side. Each group has its own identity, costumes and traditions.

When did Moros y Cristianos start in Moraira?
Moraira began celebrating Moros y Cristianos in 1990, when the first local filaes took part.

Is there a fireworks display?
Yes. Fireworks traditionally form part of the closing celebrations after the Grand Gala Parade.

Is Moros y Cristianos the same as Moraira’s Patron Saint Festival?
No. They are separate celebrations. Moros y Cristianos takes place in June, while Moraira’s Patron Saint festivities, dedicated to Nuestra Señora de los Desamparados and Virgen del Carmen, take place in July.

Where can I find the full program?
As soon as the official program for the next edition is published, we update the most important dates and times on this page. You can also check our Moraira festivals and events calendar for other celebrations throughout the year.