Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) is a fun, tongue-in-cheek annual recreation of the period in Spanish history known as the Reconquista - the reconquest of several cities on the Iberian peninsular by the Christians after they had (earlier) been taken under Moorish control. The Festival revolves around costumed 'Christians' (wearing fur and helmets, and riding horses) and 'Moors' (riding elephants and camels, and dressed in hilariously-anachronistic garb) engaging in simulated battles around the town, with the climax being a vaudeville-style showdown outside the Barchell Castle. When the 'Christians' eventually win the battle, they triumphantly parade a statue of the Virgin Mary through the streets of Alcoy. A fun and engrossing spectacle, performed every year with both humour and respect for the historical events that it depicts, Moros y Critianos is a great festival for tourists in the Costa Blanca to catch.

Venue: Alcoy, near Alicante

Date: 22 - 24 April 2012