Magnificent Moors and Christians in Mojacar

Mojacar’s Moors and Christians weekend was a great success, according to visitors, business owners and participants.

Hundreds of people flocked to enjoy the three-day event, which loosely re-enacts the battle between two cultures in centuries gone by. Adults and children from all parts of the Mojacar community spent months planning for this much-anticipated weekend, which takes place on the beach and in the pueblo every June. Friday saw the grand ceremony when the Moorish and Christian kings greet each other with solemn speeches, and hand over the keys to the city.

The young prince and princess from each side also addressed the crowd and exchanged gifts as part of the opening ceremony. The revelry continued until the early hours with live music and DJs cranking up the atmosphere, as visitors joined in the parties at the various ‘kabilas’ and ‘cuartels’ (camps) set up throughout the village. Medieval market stalls offered an array of gifts, jewellery, handicrafts and tasty food and pastries, with bars and restaurants open until late.

On Saturday, the beach was packed for the spectacular jousting performance, where experienced riders put on a fantastic equestrian display before joining the parade to the Parque Comercial. Visitors woke on Sunday morning to the sound of blunderbusses being fired into the sky before the early evening grand finale and main parade.

The crowd was wowed by the magnificent costumes and lively music of the parade, which began at the Plaza Nueva and continued down to the fountain. People were keen to ensure a good viewing spot with restaurants in the square fully booked since as early as February.

Business owners reported an excellent weekend of trading and that the Friday night had been the busiest for the fiesta in a number of years. More expats participated in one of the most important weekends in the Mojacar tourism calendar.