Cristianos Y Moros
Published on Nov 18, 2015
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PRESENTATION OUTLINE
What is it?
Cristianos y Moros is a Spanish festival which commemorates the battles between the Christians and the Moors during the Reconquista. The Reconquista were campaigns by the Christians to try and take back their territory from the Moors to become free from their rule.
When and where is it?
This festival is held in many cities in Spain, mainly Alcoy and the Southern Valencian Community on the 22nd to the 24th of April every year.
What happens?
On the first day of Cristianos y Moros, armies march all day to the sound of the bands. The people who come to watch on the streets admire and encourage the warriors. The city is decorated with banners, especially the red cross of Saint George. On the 23rd of April there’s a pause in between for the feast day of St George .On the 24th, the Christians hosts as Alcoy, and re-enact the famous and large mythical battle. The Moors and Christians battle throughout the whole day. The Christians are defeated in the morning and the Moorish can be seen on the castle where the Red Cross had once flown. When the fighting is at its fiercest, Saint George appears at the top of the castle to help the Christian armies finally defeat the Moors, ending with them retreating.
Photo by Ivan Flores Casasempere
Who is involved?
Majority of the people within the city are involved in this festival. They participate in the parades, dress up in costumes inspired by the medieval times, march in bands or are a part of the fake battle. The Christians wear fur, metal armour, wield harquebuses, and ride horses. The Muslims wear ancient Arabic costumes, carry scimitars, and ride real camels or elephants.
Photo by Premsa Ajuntament de Torrent
The Christians wearing their fur and metal armour
Photo by Ivan Flores Casasempere
Women in Christian armour
The Moors wearing their Ancient Arabic armour
They both usually wield spears, pikes, arquebuses, scimitars and shields
Traditional Food
Platillo Moros y Cristianos is a famous Cuban dish which is mainly served at Cuban restaurants. The black beans represent the Moors and the white rice represents the Christians.
Photo by Lablascovegmenu
