To feel the atmosphere that is recreated in Alcoi/Alcoy on the day of the Entrada is an unforgettable experience. The Moors and Christians Festivities in honor of St. George have been declared of International Tourist Interest since 1980, and are considered the cradle of all those celebrated throughout the Valencian Community.
They commemorate the historical events that took place in 1276, related to the uprisings of the Muslims who inhabited the area and that gave rise to the patronage of St. George, to whom tradition attributes his intervention in defense of the new settlers, on the occasion of the attack they suffered and in whose battle the warlord Al-Azraq died.
The structure of the Fiesta, in what is known as the Festera Trilogy, is divided into three days. The first day is the Entrances, the second is dedicated to the Patron Saint George, and the third day is the Alardo.
DAY OF THE ENTRANCES
The Christian Entrance is a spectacle that runs through the center of Alcoi/Alcoy, and recalls the entry of the armies of the cross in the city, ready to defend it from the Saracen attack.
The visitor will be able to admire the carriage of the Captain and the Ensign surrounded by their knights, the special squads, the banners and groups of dancers, and in short, a whole Christian army in an unparalleled display of music and color.
The Moors' Entrance is a waste of imagination and sensuality that will immerse the visitor in an oriental atmosphere of Mohammed's hosts preparing to take the city, with dancers, African warriors and animals, under a rain of confetti and streamers, thrown from the crowded balconies.
ST. GEORGE'S DAY
The second day is dedicated to the Patron Saint George, the martyr of Cappadocia, known worldwide and that in Alcoi/Alcoy is embodied by the figure of a child, undisputed protagonist of the Festival, loved and admired by all.
DAY OF THE ALARDO
On the third and last day, the dialectic struggle takes place through the Embassies and the bloodless fight between arquebuses, submerging the city in a frenzy of gunpowder and noise, not suitable for sensitive ears. Finally, at dusk, on the battlements of the Castle, the child Sant Jordi will appear, on the back of his white steed, recreating the miracle that the people of Alcoi/Alcoy have been commemorating for hundreds of years.
Correos continues with the issue of this 2024 dedicated to the Moors and Christians festival the series dedicated to POPULAR FESTIVALS.
