Moros y Cristianos on the Costa Blanca

Few celebrations in this part of Spain are as colourful, dramatic and deeply connected to local history as Moros y Cristianos.

Moros y Cristianos on the Costa Blanca

Few celebrations in this part of Spain are as colourful, dramatic and deeply connected to local history as Moros y Cristianos.

Across the Costa Blanca, towns and cities celebrate their own versions of the tradition with elaborate costumes, marching bands, parades, gunpowder, music and historical re-enactments.

And you don’t have to travel far from Orihuela Costa to experience it.

Moros y Cristianos in Campoamor

One of the newest celebrations can be found right here on Orihuela Costa, in Campoamor.

The Moros y Cristianos celebrations in Campoamor take place around Playa de la Glea and combine the traditional festival with a spectacular setting by the Mediterranean.

The main highlight is the Gran Desembarco — a dramatic re-enactment of a Moorish landing on the beach.

In 2026, the second edition took place over two days in June. The programme included music, food, entertainment and a procession from La Glea towards the Club Náutico before the main beach spectacle.

The landing itself included boats approaching the shore, simulated artillery and a battle staged on the sand, with performers recreating the historic confrontation.

It is a very different way to experience Moros y Cristianos.

Instead of watching the celebrations in a historic town square, you are standing beside the Mediterranean, with the beach, sea and surrounding coastline forming part of the spectacle.

A Tradition Across the Region

Moros y Cristianos is celebrated in many towns across the Valencian Community, and each place has developed its own traditions and style.

Orihuela is one of the closest and most important examples. Its Fiestas de la Reconquista y de Moros y Cristianos take place in July and have been recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional. The celebrations include spectacular parades, music, gunpowder and historical traditions connected with the city’s medieval past.

Santa Pola celebrates its Moros y Cristianos as part of the town’s main patron saint festivities at the beginning of September. The programme includes the Asalto Moro on Levante Beach, the conquest and reconquest of the castle and several major parades. The celebrations are recognised as a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Autonómico.

Alcoy is one of the best-known places to experience the tradition. Its celebrations are famous throughout Spain for their scale, costumes, music and historic character.

Other towns across the region, including Elda, Villajoyosa and Castalla, also have their own Moros y Cristianos celebrations.

A Different Side of the Costa Blanca

For visitors, Moros y Cristianos is a chance to see a side of the Costa Blanca that has little to do with beaches and summer resorts.

The costumes, music, parades and historical traditions are part of local life and have been passed down through generations.

And with Campoamor now having its own celebration, you don’t even need to travel far to experience it.

When Can You See Moros y Cristianos?

The celebrations take place at different times depending on the town.

Campoamor is around June, Orihuela in July, while Santa Pola celebrates in early September. Other towns have their own dates throughout the year.

The exact programme changes from year to year, so it is always worth checking the local information before planning your visit.

If you’re staying on Orihuela Costa, keep an eye on the programme in Campoamor — and if you want to see a larger traditional celebration, Orihuela and Santa Pola are both close enough for a day out.

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