Alcoy - The Festive Moros y Cristianos Festival


The festive Morros y Cristianos festival of Alcoy

Fireworks celebrating Spain's festivals

The Spanish Countryside is full of local fiestas and passionate traditions, but my very favorite is the fiesta of the of Moros y Cristianos. Celebrated along the warm and picturesque Levantine Coast, which spans from Castellon to Murcia, the fiesta of Moros y Cristianos is an occasion for the entire family to enjoy. The fiesta is not just a single occasion, but rather a holiday of sorts, celebrated in numerous towns over the summer months. Perhaps one of the most famous of these Moros y Cristianos celebrations is the Fiesta of Alcoy.

The story begins back in the year 1276, when the people of Alcoy were fighting a terrible battle against the troops of the feared Alazraq Caudillo, leader of the invading Moors. The story goes that when the towns people were loosing ground during the invasion, the figure of Saint George riding atop a horse and galloped along the top of the city walls. Alazraq Caudillo and his invading Moors got such a scare from the ghostly apparition that they ran off and left the battle. Ever since that day’s victory over the invading Moors, Saint George has been the Patron Saint of the city. Every year the towns people honor Saint George by celebrating and reenacting that fateful day back in 1276.

Celebrated on the 23rd of April, the fiesta for 2016 lasts four days (April 22, 2016 to April 24, 2016) and is filled with parades, merriment, and most importantly, with food. Some of the most traditional dishes served include Olletta (a stew made of beans, chorizo, and morcilla), Paella, and the special treat of Churros con Chocolate. Early in the morning, the fiesta starts with music and a large procession, complete with traditional costumes of Christians Troops. Following in the procession comes the king and queen of the Fiesta, which are dressed with replica gowns of the period made of velvet, silk, and trimmed with fur and gold. In the afternoon the Saracen troops come into town richly dressed with their tunics of Brocade and silk, and with their white turbans trimmed in gold and topped with a gold half-moon. At dusk, the armies, adorned with traditional costume, recreate the battle of Alcoy from 1276. It is very exciting and it feels like you have been transported in time. The night culminates with the most wonderful and huge fireworks display that you have ever seen. If you have a chance to go to Spain from April to September you will always find a town celebrating their traditional fiesta, and if you have the chance, visit Alcoy between April 22, 2016 to April 24, 2016.

The fertile pastures of Asturias, Spain
a procession in Spain's most famous parade
The plaza in Spain

Recipes from Alcoy & the surrounding areas of Valencia & Alicante:

Paella Valenciana

Foods from Alcoy:

Masia El Altet Extra virgin Olive Oil - OO026
Rich, buttery, and full bodied, and not too peppery, the flavor is reminiscent of artichoke with hints of tropical fruit. 2018 Best of Class and Gold Medal Winner, LA International Olive Oil Competition.
Size: 16.9fl.oz/500mL
Origin: Alcoy, Spain
Details - Masia El Altet Extra virgin Olive Oil - OO026
Bomba Rice D.O. in Textile Bag - RC003
Certified origin from the L’Albufera nature preserve. Why is Bomba worth the extra cost?
Size: 2.2Lbs/1Kg
Origin: Valencia, Spain
Details - Bomba Rice D.O. in Textile Bag - RC003
Rice 'Extra' Santo Tomas D.O. - Paella Rice - RC001
Grown in a nature preserve where L’Albufera lakes and rivers feed the fertile plains of Valencia.
Size: 2.2Lbs/1Kg
Origin: Valencia, Spain
Details - Rice 'Extra' Santo Tomas D.O. - Paella Rice - RC001
Paella Seasoning Sachets with Saffron - AZ002
5 Sachets of ready-to-use paella seasoning made with pure Spanish Saffron from La Mancha.
Size: 0.7oz/20g
Origin: Valencia, Spain
Details - Paella Seasoning Sachets with Saffron - AZ002
Pure Powdered Saffron Sachets - AZ001
5 Sachets of the highest quality powdered saffron from La Mancha.
Size: 0.022oz/0.624g
Origin: Valencia, Spain
Details - Pure Powdered Saffron Sachets - AZ001
Hot Paprika Tin - SP003
Pimenton Picante - Lightly smoked and blended with medium-hot varieties, this paprika slightly sweet-Smokey but with a kick. Use this to add a little wow! to your cooking.
Size: 2.64oz/74.8g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Hot Paprika Tin - SP003
Smoked Paprika Tin - SP004
Pimenton Ahumado - Rich and complex with Smokey overtones, this paprika is the foundation for many Spanish dishes. Use this paprika to develop rich flavors on meat and seafood dishes.
Size: 2.64oz/74.8g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Smoked Paprika Tin - SP004
Sweet Paprika Tin - SP001
Pimenton Dulce, known as mild or sweet paprika in the USA, is earthy and rich, with almost no spiciness, and perfect for all cooking needs.
Size: 2.64oz/75g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Sweet Paprika Tin - SP001
Crushed Nora Peppers in Shaker - SP023
Perfect for a fideua, Spanish rice, and all your Spanish cooking. These Noras have been cleaned, dried, chopped and packed in a convenient glass spice shaker.
Size: 1.4oz/40g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Crushed Nora Peppers in Shaker - SP023
Paella Seasoning in Shaker - SP024
Sazonador de Paella con Azafran - Ready-to-use paella seasoning in a glass shaker, made with pure Spanish Saffron from La Mancha.
Size: 1.5oz/42g
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Paella Seasoning in Shaker - SP024
La Explanada Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Anchovy - OL017
Manzanilla olives stuffed with anchovies create a combination that is simply irresistible. Extra-Large and stuffed with the perfect amount of anchovy to make the flavor pop!
Size: 12.7oz/350g net, 5.3oz/150g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - La Explanada Manzanilla Olives Stuffed with Anchovy - OL017
Almond Stuffed Manzanilla Olives in Glass Jar - OL019
Handmade gourmet manzanilla olives stuffed with crunchy almonds - A delectable combination that will bring you back for more.
Size: 12.3oz/350g net, 7.06oz/200g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Almond Stuffed Manzanilla Olives in Glass Jar - OL019
Anchovy Stuffed Manzanilla Olives - OL016
These fine Manzanilla olives stuffed with anchovies are a delicious addition to your tapas, salad or martini!
Size: 12.35oz/350g net, 5.29oz/150g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Anchovy Stuffed Manzanilla Olives - OL016
Pitted Green Gordal Olives in Glass Jar - OL020
Our gourmet gordal olives have a firm, meaty texture and mild flavor. They will be an excellent addition to your table.
Size: 12.3oz/350g net, 5.64oz/160g drained
Origin: Alicante, Spain
Details - Pitted Green Gordal Olives in Glass Jar - OL020