Festivals in Orihuela
Discover the main festivals, celebrations and traditions of Orihuela, municipality of Alicante, in Valencian Community.
Reconquista and Moors and Christians of Orihuela
Date, duration and usual places. The Reconquista Festivities take place during a few two weeks in july around the 17th, anniversary of the Glorious Enseña del Oriol. The historic centre, the Plaza del Carmen, the Cathedral, the Palmeral, the streets of the parades and the cabilas concentrate the main events.
2026 Programme. The 2026 edition included the Day of the Bird, the Floral Offering, the Guerrilla and Storming of the Castle, the Children's Parade, the Retreta and the Christian and Mora Entrances. The City Council deployed more than one hundred extraordinary services for the two weeks of celebrations and organised children's workshops and guided tours on 22 June, 23, 25 and 26 as a cultural prelude to the festive cycle.
Traditions and participation. The civic procession of the Enseña, which bows to no one, the embassies, parades, music and representations of the Reconquista make the festival unique. The Association of Moors and Christians Festivals Santas Justa and Rufina, troupes, officials such as the Armengola and the ambassadors, City Council, Local Police, families, residents of the Oriol Occupational Centre and visitors participate.
Local public holidays in 2026. The municipal plenary session approved the Friday 17 July, day of the Glorious Ensign and the Reconquista Festivities, and the Tuesday 8 September, Virgin of Monserrate. These two non-working days do not cover the entire duration of the July holidays or the employer's September programme.