Moros y cristianos

Moros y cristianos
Parade of a Christian filà of the Moros i Cristians festival in Alcoi.
Entrance of the Moors, 2006 - El Campello.

Moros y Cristianos (Spanish: [ˈmoɾos i kɾisˈtjanos]) or Moros i Cristians (Valencian: [ˈmɔɾoz i kɾistiˈans]) literally in English Moors and Christians, is a set of festival activities which are celebrated in many towns and cities of Spain, mainly in the southern Valencian Community; according to popular tradition the festivals commemorate the battles, combats and fights between Moors (or Muslims) and Christians during the period known as Reconquista (from the 8th century through the 15th century).

Parade of a Moors Ship in the beach of La Vila Joiosa, 2008.

The festivals represent the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian reconquest. The people that take part in the festival are usually enlisted in filaes or comparsas (companies that represent the Christian or Moor legions), and for several days, they parade with bombastic costumes loosely inspired by Medieval fashion. Christians wear fur, metallic helmets, and armor, fire loud arquebuses, and ride horses. In contrast, Moors wear ancient Arab costumes, carry scimitars, and ride real camels or elephants. The festival develops among shots of gunpowder, medieval music, and fireworks, and ends with the Christians winning a simulated battle around a castle.

The most well-known Moors and Christians festival takes place in Alcoi (Valencian Community) from 22 to 24 April, around the Feast Day of Saint George (Catalan: Sant Jordi, Spanish: San Jorge). According to legend, after James I of Aragon reconquered the city of Alcoi, the Moors, in turn, tried to recover it shortly after. But, when they were about to start the battle again, Saint George miraculously appeared to the Moors, who were frightened away.

Other remarkable Moors and Christians festivals are celebrated in the towns of Bocairent (Medieval town 1–5 February), La Vila Joiosa (with its desembarc), Villena with approximately 12,000 participants (most crowded festival), Biar, Cocentaina, Crevillent, El Campello, Elda, Muro d'Alcoi, Oliva (third weekend in July), Ontinyent, Orihuela, Petrer, Pollença and some districts of Alicante city. One of the most ancient festival is celebrated in Caudete (nowadays in the Albacete province, but then was part of the Kingdom of Valencia), dated from 1588.

A version of this festival survives in the Philippines in the form of the moro-moro play, staged during fiestas. The show begins with a parade of stars in their colorful costumes. Actors playing Christians wear blue costumes while those playing Moors wear red costumes and are fully ornamented.

See also

External links


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Moros Y Cristianos — Entrada Mora 2006 El Campello …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Moros y cristianos — Entrada Mora 2006 El Campello …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Moros y cristianos — Este artículo o sección necesita referencias que aparezcan en una publicación acreditada, como revistas especializadas, monografías, prensa diaria o páginas de Internet fidedignas. Puedes añadirlas así o avisar …   Wikipedia Español

  • Moros y Cristianos — Entrada Mora 2006 El Campello Desembarco 2006 …   Wikipédia en Français

  • Moros y Cristianos — Schachspiel zu Moros y Cristianos Moros y Cristianos (kastilisch) oder Moros i Cristians (katalanisch), zu deutsch „Mauren und Christen“ sind Fiestas mit historischem Hintergrund, die in vielen Gegenden Spaniens, vor allem aber der Autonomen… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Moros y cristianos — ► locución Fiesta pública que finge una batalla entre ambos bandos. * * * Fiesta que tiene lugar en distintas ciudades españolas del Mediterráneo, principalmente de la Comunidad Valenciana, de la Región de Murcia y Castilla La Mancha para… …   Enciclopedia Universal

  • Moros y cristianos (desambiguación) — Moros y cristianos puede referirse a: al enfrentamiento de las dos comunidades durante la Reconquista y sus consecuencias posteriores (véase racismo en España); a Moros y cristianos, las fiestas de tradicionales de varias ciudades mediterráneas… …   Wikipedia Español

  • Moros y cristianos (programa de televisión) — Moros y Cristianos Género Debate Presentado por Javier Sardà, Jordi González, Antxón Urrusolo País de origen España Duración 50 min. Idioma/s Español …   Wikipedia Español

  • Moros y cristianos (disambiguation) — Moros y cristianos is a festival celebrated in parts of Spain Moros y cristianos may also refer to: Platillo Moros y Cristianos, Cuban recipe for black beans and white rice Reconquista, centuries of battle between Christians and Muslims in Spain… …   Wikipedia

  • Moros y cristianos (película) — Moros y cristianos Título Moros y cristianos (película) Ficha técnica Dirección Luis García Berlanga Guion Luis García Berlanga y Rafael Azcona …   Wikipedia Español

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”