Fiestas in Altea, discover the traditional festivities
Well the annual spectacular and arguably the biggest fiesta of the year for Altea is descending upon us rapidly, as the year moves us towards the end of August and on to September.
In Altea every year on the fourth weekend of the month in September, (not this month) we all celebrate the Patron Saint of the town: the Santísimo Cristo del Sagrario alongside the Moors and Christians (Moros y Cristianos) in the honour of San Blas.
As with most Spanish Fiestas the streets of Altea at night are brimming with light, colour, with lots of music playing from each Penya. In its present form of Moors and Christians we can go to 1979, but their origins date back many many years before this time.
Fiestas in Altea: origin and tradition
The traditional festivities recall the centuries old struggle between The Moors and The Christians. The Festivities, which include no shortage of weapons, fireworks, and, of course, the traditional battle that recreates the Arab occupation of the area and then its subsequent reconquest by the Moors.
As this was a "you win then we'll win" scenario this historical event continues on the same lines with The Moors winning one year and the Christians winning another - how reasonable an outcome is that?
The celebration of the patron saint festivities fills the streets in Altea with laughter, joy and a chance for the local groups and Penya's (Clubs) to get together and celebrate their chosen groups whether it be Moors or Christians.
Processions and parades to bring out Alteas’ spirit
For those more interested in the religious element of the weekend, there are the thrilling processions that carry the "Holy Christ of the Tabernacle", which begins with a solemn chanted mass and of course always invariably ends with an impressive fireworks display on the seafront promenade along with various "Mascletás".
The Moors and Christians parades are the most "touristic" part of the festivities and are celebrated on Saturday- and Monday nights where the festivities are closed.The town comes alive at night and sleeps during the day during the wild festivities.
If you are chomping at the bit then I am afraid you'll need to wait until next month as These Fiestas start on Friday the 22nd September to Monday 26th September 2023.
Make no mistake, it is so worthwhile making the effort to see this marvellous, colourful and annual event which, being totally unbiased, is the best fiesta around for its pageantry, colour and friendliness. Get ready, the Altea Fiestas are coming!
