The feast of Moors and Christians of Villajoyosa

In the coastal town of Villajoyosa the festival of Moors and Christians is celebrated in memory of a barbaric assault averted thanks to the miraculous intervention of Saint Martha. This legend refers to a failed Muslim incursion of 1538. The festival, whose origins date back to the mid-eighteenth century, takes place at the end of July. It starts with a parade of Moors and Christians. At dawn on 28 July,  the exciting and spectacular landing of the Muslims, who arrive on the shores of Villajoyosa crammed into thirty boats, is staged. In vain contrast with the local artillery placed on the beach, the battle concludes, after the failure of the attempt of a surrender (embajada), with the capture of the fortress of Villajoyosa. The afternoon will have to pass before the Christians launch a counter attack and pursue the assailants to the sea.

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