Events
Calpe,
A Town Proud of Its Tradition
In every corner and every street, year after year since 1977, Calpe fills with history, music, and joy to showcase its tradition turned celebration. The celebration of the Moros y Cristianos of Calpe, a unique moment to experience the excitement of its people days when the town opens its doors to share the very best of its customs, surroundings, and the warmth of its community.
Iconic events such as el Desembarco, el Parlamento or el Desfile, eflect the passion of the festeros. These unforgettable moments, combined with the hospitality of the people of Calpe, make the Moros y Cristianos a tradition to live and remember.
El Desembarco,
A Unique Spectacle of Struggle and Passion
This festive act begins beside the Mediterranean, with the Peñón de Ifach standing as a silent witness, through a reenactment of one of the pirate attacks that struck Calpe—an event that took place on October 22, 1744.
On the very sand, Calpine defenders await the crescent-moon fleet as it advances menacingly across the bay. Once the enemy crew lands, the first battle begins, in which the Saracen pirates emerge victorious and continue their push to seize the citadel.
El Miracle,
A Historical Reenactment
El parlamento, a particularly emotional moment for the people of Calpe, begins when the youngest among them sound the alarm upon spotting the smoke from the bonfire lit by the coastal watchman at Ifach to warn the townsfolk of an impending attack.
The cry of Foc en Ifach! ¡Moros en la costa! marks the start of this dramatic narrative, in which much of the spotlight falls on Moncófar, the son of Muslims, torn between joining the attackers or remaining loyal to his neighbors even though it was they who took his father’s life in a previous battle. Caragol is the other central figure a frail young man who, aided by the intercession of the Cristo del Sudor, according to legend, managed to shut the massive city gates on his own to prevent the invasion. This reenactment is therefore called “El Miracle”, and the “Moros y Cristianos” pays tribute to its patron.
El Desfile,
Two Sides Opposed in Tradition, but United by the Festival
El desfile is a sublime event, overflowing with unforgettable emotions—for both participants and spectators alike. It begins with the majestic entrada cristiana, set to the rhythm of marches that guide the step of the filaes making up this faction. Then, it is the bando moro that takes over the streets of Calpe, flooding them with light and color. Together, both factions create a unique and unmatched spectacle that draws thousands of people year after year.
This event also features a children’s version, where the youngest participants, full of charm and spirit, showcase the future of the festival into which they were born.
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