Ontinyent's Moors and Christians festival, declared of International Tourist Interest, is held every year over the weekend of the fourth Sunday in August, in honour of the Holy Christ of Agony.
2027 dates
Following that tradition, the 2027 Big Week will run from Thursday 19 to Monday 23 August, with the opening events on Sunday 15 August.
These dates are worked out from the tradition: the official programme is published by the Societat de Festers del Santíssim Crist de l'Agonia at morosicristiansontinyent.com. As soon as the events appear in our calendar, you'll find them there with times and places.
Day by day
- Sunday 15 August: the Esmorzar de la Llàgrima breakfast and the opening speech, with the presentation of the festival officers.
- Thursday 19: the Band Parade, ending with all the bands playing the Moorish march Chimo, the festival anthem, together. At night, the Alardos costume parade.
- Friday 20: the Children's Parade in the morning and, in the afternoon, the great Christian and Moorish Entrances, the biggest event of all.
- Saturday 21: the first reveille, the Contrabando (Marineros and Contrabandistas) and, in the afternoon, the Baixada del Crist, the most moving moment for the participants.
- Sunday 22: Gala Reveille, High Mass, tribute to the elderly residents of the Charity Hospital and procession.
- Monday 23: arquebus volleys and the Embassies in front of the wooden castle in the Plaça Major.
The 24 comparsas
The festival is made up of 24 comparsas, twelve Christian and twelve Moorish. You'll find all their names on the Moors and Christians page.
Tips
- Book accommodation early: the town fills up.
- To watch the Entrances, the route runs along Avinguda de l'Almaig and Avinguda Daniel Gil to Plaça de la Concepció. Arrive early to get a good spot.
- It's hot: bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes.
- Can't make it in August? The Festival Museum shows the costumes, music and history of the festival all year round.
