Moors and Christians celebrations in honour of Sant Blai in Bocairent

NEXT SATURDAY WE WILL GO:

Moors and Christians celebrations in honour of Sant Blai in Bocairent

Deemed to be of National Tourist Interest, the Moors and Christians Festival in honour of Sant Blai is one of the most emblematic and deep-rooted festivities in the Region of Valencia. Excitement, the unique rhythm of the nine carnival procession groups known as 'comparsas' and the characteristic smell of gunpowder will fill every corner of Bocairent between 2^nd and 5^th February.

On 1^st February, known as Nit de caixes, the festival gets underway with the proclamation and parade to the sound of drum rolls. On 2^nd February, Dia de l'Entrada, the 'comparsas' (Españoletos, Granaders, Contrabandistes, Terç de Suavos, Estudiants, Moros Vells, Marrocs, Moros Marinos and Mosqueters) will parade through the streets of the town accompanied by music bands.

At 4.30 p.m., from Calle Batalla de Lepanto street, the spectacular 'Entrada' or Arrival of the Moors and Christians will begin. Then, as marked by tradition, the captains of the two sides will inspect the troops and make an offering to Sant Blai.

The following day, they will be celebrating Dia Sant Blai, which will include a procession, one of the most moving acts that takes place in these festivities.

On 4^th February, the two sides will fight each other to stake their claim to the Castle in a bloody battle that will come to an end on 5^th February, Dia del Sant Crist, with a pilgrimage up to the hermitage. The celebrations come to a close on Dia de l'Eixabegó with a day dedicated to revellers who have passed away.

Come to the Moors and Christians Festival in honour of Sant Blai!