Official Opening Parade (Entrada Oficial de Bandas)
Open to the public; visitors line the streets around the town hall to watch the bands and castelets pass by during this formal opening. No ticket is needed.
~12:00
Moors and Christians of Villajoyosa (Santa Marta)
Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos de la Vila Joiosa – Santa Marta
Villajoyosa, Spain
Jul 24 - 31, 2026ConfirmedSource
Each July, the seaside town of La Vila Joiosa reenacts a dramatic 1538 pirate raid, when, by legend, its patron Santa Marta sent a sudden flood to repel the attackers. Costumed armies parade through the streets and the Moors storm ashore from boats at dawn, in one of the Valencian coast's most thrilling festivals.
Key moments
Jul 20
Desembarco Moro (Moorish Landing)
Spectators gather on the beach and seaside boardwalk; the scene involves fireworks and mock fighting. Visitors should watch from the barricades, enjoy the pageantry, and respect the performers’ space.
~22:00
Where it happens
Playa Centro
Villajoyosa, Spain
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Prepare before you go
Bring ear protection (for loud gunfire and fireworks)
Read the local rhythm
Learn some Spanish/Valencian festival phrases
Arrive before peak flow
Arrive early due to narrow streets and crowds
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR HISTORY & CIVIC HERITAGE
Moors and Christians of Villajoyosa (Santa Marta)
Fiestas de Moros y Cristianos de la Vila Joiosa – Santa Marta
Villajoyosa, Spain
Each July, the seaside town of La Vila Joiosa reenacts a dramatic 1538 pirate raid, when, by legend, its patron Santa Marta sent a sudden flood to repel the attackers. Costumed armies parade through the streets and the Moors storm ashore from boats at dawn, in one of the Valencian coast's most thrilling festivals.
AnchorCultural anchor
Jul 24 - 31, 2026Confirmed dates
Verified this year
Saved locally on this device. A free account keeps your shortlist across devices.
The story behind it
This festival commemorates how the town’s patron saint, Santa Marta, is believed to have saved the village by causing a miraculous flood that repelled the 1538 Moorish raid. The community annually honors Saint Marta with processions and mock battles, blending Christian religiosity (ceremonies with the saint’s image) with the historical memory of coastal defense. Valencian folk music and traditional costumes underscore local i...
Key moments to know
Jul 202 moments
Jul 20~12:00Expected
Official Opening Parade (Entrada Oficial de Bandas)
Open to the public; visitors line the streets around the town hall to watch the bands and castelets pass by during this formal opening. No ticket is needed.
Jul 20~22:00Expected
Desembarco Moro (Moorish Landing)
Spectators gather on the beach and seaside boardwalk; the scene involves fireworks and mock fighting. Visitors should watch from the barricades, enjoy the pageantry, and respect the performers’ space.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Prepare before you go
Bring ear protection (for loud gunfire and fireworks)
Read the local rhythm
Learn some Spanish/Valencian festival phrases
Arrive before peak flow
Arrive early due to narrow streets and crowds
Photo with care
Observe processions respectfully, ask before taking photos of costumed participants.
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jul 24 - 31, 2026
Confirmed
City / Area
Villajoyosa
La Vila Joiosa (Alicante), Valencian Community
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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