Orihuela Moors & Christians Fiesta

Orihuela will be celebrating its 40th anniversary of its Moors and Christians Fiesta from Sunday 13 July to Saturday 19 July 2014, held in commemoration of the Reconquest of the City.

The Moors and Christains Fiesta was born in the year 1974, when a small number of oriolanos decided clothe themselves in traditional dress and feast in honour of the Reconquest of the Saracen Orihuela domain, which occurred in 1242 or 1243. There are a series of events such as the Procession of the Holy Canonical Patronas Justa and Rufina, the Solemn Mass with the traditional Sermon on the Reconquista and mainly the parade of the Glorious Oriol through the streets of Orihuela.

Near the end of the fourteenth century, the Orihuela Council requested the then bishop of Cartagena Don Fernando Pedrosa hold the power, among others, the Feast of the Reconquista, which it was granted, and renewed annually. Since then the Feast of the Reconquista has been held, except in times of war or times when it was impossible to be held.

On 4 May 1974, a meeting was held in the backroom of a bookstore by a group of known oriolanas were it was agreed to create a party that contributes to the splendor of the Day Reconquista. Since 1974 the ceremonies and acts have become more elaborate with each year, especially due to the huge number of attendees, thanks to the splendor and boom that the inclusion of the Moors and Christians has contributed to such secular historical, civic and religious event.

Programme of events are listed below.

Sunday 13 July

7pm: From the Glorieta de Gabriel Miró. Abanderadas Parade Procession -Transfer of Santas Justa and Rufina from the parish church to SI Cathedral & FLORAL OFFERING in honour of "Santas Justa and Rufina."

Tuesday 15 July

9.30pm: Grand Parade of the Retreat, followed by partying at the cuarteles and kábilas.

Wednesday 16 July

11.30am: In Oriol Occupational Centre (located on the Palm). Representation of the Fiestas de la Reconquista.

9.30pm: Great Children’s Parade

11.30pm: Glorious Public Exhibition the statue of La Gloriosa Enseña del Oriol on the balcony of the Town Hall. Followed by festivities across the cuarteles and kábilas.

Thursday 17 July

"DCCLXXII ANNIVERSARY RECONQUISTA"

9.30am: From the Hon. City Hall. Transferring the statue of La Gloriosa Enseña del Oriol the SI Cathedral.

10am: From S. I. Cathedral. Solemn Procession of Saints Justa and Rufina, with Gloriosa Enseña del Oriol.

10.30am: H. Solemn Mass of the Reconquista.

11.30am: Grand Procession of the Gloriosa Enseña del Oriol.

8.30pm: From the Paseo de Calvo Sotelo. War between the Moors and Christians (re-enactment with guns).

10.30pm: Capturing of the Castle in Glorieta Gabriel Miró by the Moors from the Christians.

11.30pm: Town Hall Square. Removing the statue of Gloriosa Enseña del Oriol. Followed by festivities across the cuarteles and kábilas.

Friday 18 July

9.30pm: Christian Solemn Parade Entry. Followed by festivities across the cuarteles and kábilas.

Saturday 19 July

9.30pm: Moors Solemn Parade Entry. Followed by festivities across the cuarteles and kábilas.