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The same crystal clear waters that bathe the beaches of the Costa Blanca coastline bore witness five centuries ago to a much more tumultuous age. No village was safe from Berber incursions and neither side was ready to back down. Fortunately, that tension has been transformed into a fantastic remembrance act celebrated every year by La Vila Joiosa through its Moors and Christians Festival in honour of Santa Marta.

From 24th to 31st July, the good-natured inhabitants of this beautiful town in Alicante province swap their swimming costume for the unique attire of the Moors and Christians, walks along the beach for the parades of the two armies, and sun cream for the harquebus. Colour and fun brimming over everywhere you look at this festival, deemed to be of International Tourist Interest.

Music bands provide the soundtrack to a celebration where people come to dance, enjoy the parties at night and sample typical dishes from both sides at the gastronomic competitions. So much for the rivalry.

The high point of the Moors and Christians Festival in La Vila Joiosa will come in the early hours of 28th July with the Moorish ‘Desembarco’ or Landing, an impressive act that takes place right on the beach, where the Christian army awaits in its camp with all its artillery. Drums, lights, pyrotechnics and crossfire. This representation is unique.

Sea and history this summer in La Vila Joiosa