Calp begins its program of events to celebrate the Moors and Christians festivities in honor of the Cristo del Sudor (Christ of the Sweat), Patron Saint of the town. The celebrations are organized by the Association of Moors and Christians in collaboration with the Town Council.
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 16, the program will start with the presentation of the Festival Book and the official introduction of the 2025 Moors and Christians Festivities Town Crier, Inma Morató, the first president of the Association of Moors and Christians. Afterwards, a festive music concert will be performed by the Unión Musical Calp-Ifach at the Casa de Cultura Auditorium. The event will conclude with the First “Night of Cabos de Escuadra,” accompanied by the Unión Musical Calp-Ifach on Avenida Masnou.
On Friday, October 17, at 1:00 p.m., the ringing of bells and the firing of salutes will announce the beginning of the festivities. In the afternoon, at 6:30 p.m., the parade of bands will take place through the streets of the town, followed at 8:00 p.m. by the raising of the banners and the official proclamation of the festivities in Plaza Mayor.
After the raising of banners, all the “filaes” and the 2025 Festival Committee will hold a parade to the church to make the Candle Offering to the Patron Saint. At 12:30 a.m., Moors and Christians will gather for a night parade from Justicia Street to Plaza Constitución. At 1:30 a.m., the Christian Captaincy Ball will take place at the Filà Mozárabes de Ifach (Parque Arco Iris).
On Saturday, October 18, the day will begin at 9:30 a.m. with the Diana parade from Plaza del Mosquit. At 6:30 p.m., the Grand Christian and Moorish Entrance will begin from Benissa Street to Plaza Colón. This grand entrance is one of the most iconic events of the festivities — a spectacular parade of Moorish and Christian troops along Calp’s main avenue, Gabriel Miró, ending at Arenal Beach. It gathers thousands of residents and attracts numerous visitors and tourists, captivated by the beauty and uniqueness of Calp’s parade. For the leading representatives — the Captains, Standard Bearer, and Lieutenants — it marks the culmination of a year of dedication and effort. Ballets, animals, music, and pyrotechnics enrich the processions, moving the audience.
This will be the big moment for the 2025 Moorish and Christian Captains: Adrián Romero from Filà Tuareg and Ángel García from Filà Mozárabes, accompanied by the Favorite, Fini Ortiz, and the First Lady, Estefanía Moll. Another key role is the Standard Bearer of the Association of Moors and Christians, held this year by Celia González Jorro from Berberiscos, along with the Christian and Moorish Lieutenants, Marc Císcar from Marins Corsaris and Marc Sala from Berberiscos.
On Sunday, October 19, at 11:00 a.m., the Landing and First Battle will take place at Arenal-Bol Beach. This event reenacts the arrival of the Muslim hordes on the Arenal shore. Moorish “filaes” arrive by boats from the fishing port to the beach, where they disembark to begin the battle. The sound of gunfire fills the air. The Moorish troops win the first battle and advance up Gabriel Miró Avenue to Plaza Mayor, while the Christian troops retreat, preparing for the second battle.
In the afternoon, at 7:00 p.m., the Children’s Parade will take place — one of the most delightful events of the program, where the youngest participants take center stage. Later that night, the Moorish Captaincy Ball will be held at Filà Tuareg (Carrer de Fora).
On Tuesday, October 21, the festivities continue with the Parliament and Second Battle “El Miracle” at 8:30 p.m. in Plaza Mayor. “El Miracle” is an emotional reenactment that defines Calp’s Moors and Christians tradition. Local children announce the arrival of the Muslim troops shouting, “Foc en Ifac! Moros a la costa!” (“Fire in Ifac! Moors on the coast!”). The Christians retreat behind the city walls, unaware of the betrayal by Moncófar. This key character initiates a dialogue with the Christian ambassador, leading to one of the most emotional and memorable moments of the reenactment.
Moncófar betrays the people of Calp, surrendering to the Moorish ambassador and helping the Saracens take the city. The gunfire battle shakes Plaza Mayor, and just when all seems lost, a humble man named Caragol manages to close the city gates through the intercession of the Patron, the Santíssim Crist de la Suor. The castle lights up with the image of Christ, and Moncófar falls to his knees. The reenactment, loosely based on historical events from October 22, 1744, is performed every year with the same heartfelt emotion among the gathered townspeople. Later that night, the Standard Bearer’s Ball of the Association will take place at Filà Berberiscos (Calle la Ermita).
On Wednesday, October 22, the feast day of the Patron Saint, the Santísimo Cristo del Sudor, a Solemn Outdoor Mass will be held at 12:00 p.m. in Plaza Mayor in his honor. After the mass, a spectacular mascletà (firework display) will take place, followed by the return of the Christ’s image to the church. In the evening, at 7:00 p.m., the solemn procession will proceed through the streets of the old town, concluding with a nighttime mascletà in Plaza Mayor.
The festivities will conclude with a Mass for the Deceased on Thursday, October 23, at 7:30 p.m. in the Virgen de las Nieves Parish Church.