Here are full details of the 2026 Moors and Christians Fiesta Program in Calpe, Costa Blanca, Spain, the main events of which take place from 21 to 25 October 2026
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21- 26 October 2026
Calpe Moors and Christians Fiesta 2026 | Calpe Fiestas 2026 | CalpeOnline 24
The 2026 fiesta is particularly special, marking 50 years of Moors and Christians celebrations in Calpe. This milestone year also follows the festival’s recognition as a Fiesta of National Tourist Interest, celebrating its cultural importance and the generations of local people who have kept these traditions alive.
Every October, Calpe comes alive with spectacular costumes, marching bands, colourful parades and traditional celebrations as the town hosts its annual Moors and Christians Fiesta.
One of Calpe’s most important annual celebrations, the fiesta brings together local residents and visitors for several days of music, history, religious traditions and lively street festivities.
The 2026 celebrations take place from Wednesday 21 to Monday 26 October, with an opening concert and presentation on Friday 16 October.
Among the highlights are the magnificent Moors and Christians Parade along Avenida Gabriel Miró, the dramatic landing and battle on Arenal-Bol Beach, and the traditional processions through Calpe’s historic Old Town.
The History Behind Calpe’s Moors and Christians Fiesta
Calpe’s Moors and Christians Fiesta is held in honour of the Santíssim Crist de la Suor, the town’s patron saint, and commemorates the historic attack on Calpe on 22 October 1744.
The celebrations combine religious devotion with theatrical re-enactments, music and elaborate processions representing the Moorish and Christian sides.
Local festive groups, known as filaes, play a central role in the celebrations, bringing colour, music and tradition to the streets.
Calpe Moors and Christians Fiesta 2026: Full Programme
Friday 16 October: Opening Presentation and Concert
8:00pm: Presentation of the official Fiesta Book and festival herald, followed by a concert of festive music performed by Unión Musical Calp-Ifach.
Location: Auditorium, Casa de Cultura.
Following the concert, the Night of Squad Leaders takes place on Avenida Masnou, accompanied by Unión Musical Calp-Ifach.
Wednesday 21 October: Opening of the Fiesta
The celebrations officially begin with ceremonial salutes, marching bands and the first processions through Calpe’s historic streets.
1:00pm: Church bells and ceremonial gun salutes announce the beginning of the festivities.
6:30pm: Parade of music bands from Plaza Colón to Plaza del Mosquit.
7:30pm: The Moorish and Christian filaes parade through Calpe’s Old Town, finishing at Plaza Mayor.
8:00pm: Official Festival Proclamation and Hoisting of the Banners at Plaza Mayor.
Following the proclamation, an offering of candles takes place in honour of the Santíssim Crist de la Suor at the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
12:30am: Late-night parade of the filaes from Calle Justicia to Plaza Constitución, followed by a performance of three traditional festive marches by the participating bands.
Thursday 22 October: Religious Celebrations and Fireworks
Thursday is dedicated to the Santíssim Crist de la Suor, with religious ceremonies, a traditional procession and spectacular pyrotechnic displays.
12:00pm: Solemn Mass at the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
1:30pm: Traditional daytime mascletà at Plaza Mayor, featuring an impressive rhythmic display of firecrackers.
7:00pm: Holy Mass at the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
8:00pm: Solemn Procession in honour of the Santíssim Crist de la Suor.
Following the procession, a night-time mascletà takes place at Plaza Mayor.
12:30am: Dance of the Association’s Standard Bearer at Filà Templaris, Calle San José.
Friday 23 October: Children’s Parade
Friday evening puts the younger generation at the heart of the celebrations.
7:30pm: Children’s Parade along Avenida Gabriel Miró.
12:30am: Dance of the Christian Captaincy at Filà Marins Corsaris, Calle Cervantes.
Saturday 24 October: The Grand Moors and Christians Parade
Saturday brings one of the most anticipated events of the entire fiesta, when the Moorish and Christian filaes take to the streets for the magnificent main parade.
With elaborate costumes, traditional music and impressive displays, the parade is a highlight of Calpe’s annual celebrations.
9:30am: Morning Parade of Christians and Moors, departing from Plaza del Mosquit.
6:30pm: Grand Moors & Christian Parade along Avenida Gabriel Miró.
1:00am: Dance of the Moorish Captaincy at Filà Berberiscos, Calle La Ermita.
Sunday 25 October: The Landing and Battle on Arenal-Bol Beach
Sunday features some of the fiesta’s most dramatic historical re-enactments, including the traditional landing on Calpe’s Arenal-Bol Beach.
11:00am: Landing of the Moorish forces and First Battle on Arenal-Bol Beach.
The beach battle is followed by a comedy performance at the Torreó de la Peça in Calpe’s Old Town.
8:00pm: Parliament and Second Battle, known as El Miracle, at Plaza Mayor.
Monday 26 October: Closing Religious Service
7:30pm: Mass for the Deceased at the Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves.
This final religious service marks the conclusion of the 2026 festivities.
Where to Watch the Main Events in Calpe
The fiesta takes place across several locations, with the main processions, historical re-enactments and religious celebrations centred around the town’s streets, squares and beach.
Avenida Gabriel Miró
The location for the spectacular Grand Moors and Christians Parade on Saturday 24 October at 6:30pm, as well as the Children’s Parade on Friday evening.
Arenal-Bol Beach
The setting for Sunday’s dramatic landing and first battle at 11:00am.
Plaza Mayor
A central location for the opening proclamation, religious celebrations, mascletàs and Sunday’s final battle.
Calpe Old Town
The historic streets provide the setting for traditional parades, marching bands and celebrations throughout the fiesta.
Parish Church of Nuestra Señora de las Nieves
The principal location for the religious ceremonies honouring the Santíssim Crist de la Suor.
Planning Your Visit to Calpe’s Moors and Christians Fiesta
For visitors wanting to experience the biggest spectacles, Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 October are particularly memorable.
Saturday’s Grand Parade offers an opportunity to see the elaborate costumes and musical traditions of the participating filaes, while Sunday’s beach landing and battles bring Calpe’s history to life.
Arriving early is recommended for the main parade and beach re-enactment, particularly for anyone hoping to secure a good viewing position.
The celebrations also bring temporary road closures and changes to traffic arrangements around the town centre, so allow additional travelling time.
Whether you’re a Calpe resident or visiting the Costa Blanca in October, the Moors and Christians Fiesta is a wonderful opportunity to experience the town’s history, traditions and community spirit.
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