Moors and Christians Fiesta

The festival of Moors and Christians is the biggest event of the year in Villajoyosa. The festival has been held for over 250 years in honour of Santa Marta (St. Martha) and commemorates events which occurred in 1538, when Berber pirates led by Zalé-Arraez tried to attack Villajoyosa. According to legend, St. Martha came to the rescue of the townsfolk by causing a flash flood which wiped out the enemy fleet, thus preventing the corsairs from reaching the coast. To show their gratitude, the town made her its patron saint and hold this annual festival in her honour, the main event being a re-enactment of the Moorish landing.

DIRECTIONS: Av. Joan Carles I, 2, 03570 La Vila Joiosa, Alicante, Spain