Villena Moors and Christians Programme 2026

The official programme of the Moors and Christians of Villena 2026 includes previous events on 28 and 30 August and the patron saint festivities of 4 September to 9, 2026. The Local Government Board formally approved the programming on 15 June.

Notice: The acts may undergo changes or require subsequent organizational measures. It is advisable to confirm municipal information before traveling.

Friday 28 August 2026

  • 22:30: Concert of the Pasodobles in the Plaza de Santiago, by the Municipal Music Band of Villena, with the assistance of the troupe officials.

Sunday 30 August 2026

  • 09:45: tribute to the deceased festivalgoers in the Plaza de Santiago.
  • 10:00: announcing parade from the Plaza de Santiago and through the historic centre, ending again in Santiago, flag ring and National Anthem.
  • 11:00: Mass in the Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Virtues and walk of the image through the interior of the temple.
  • 17:00: Mass in the Sanctuary.
  • 18:00: Departure in pilgrimage of the Virgin towards Villena, with gunshots, stop at the hermitage of San Bartolomé and reception in the Plaza María Auxiliadora. Then it will continue to the archdeacon church of Santiago Apóstol.

Friday, 4 September 2026

  • 19:00: concert by the Villena Municipal Music Band at the Chapí Theater.
  • 22:00: festive fellowship dinner at the troupe premises.
  • 01:00 del día 5: great fireworks display from the Castillo de la Atalaya; then, festivals.

Saturday 5 September 2026

  • 07:45: opening of the archdeacon church of Santiago Apóstol.
  • 08:00: rosary and novena; at 08:30, mass with gunshots and the rolling of the flags of the fourteen troupes.
  • 12:00: proclamation from the balcony of the City Hall; then, Fiesta del Pasodoble from the Plaza de Santiago to the beginning of Calle Nueva.
  • 16:00: Grand Entrance. It leaves Nueva Street, at its intersection with Elche Avenue, and ends on Constitution Avenue, at Coronel Selva and San Isidro.
  • 18:00-01:00: opening the side door of the church of Santiago to visit the patron saint.

Sunday 6 September 2026

  • 07:00: Diana of all the groups from the Plaza de Santiago; opening of the temple. Masses at 08:00 y 09:00.
  • 10:00: solemn mass dedicated to the youth in Santiago, with a children's representation of the Conversion of the Moor to Christianity.
  • 12:00: Guerrilla and Embassy of the Moro to the Christian. The sides advance along different routes towards the Atalaya Castle, which is occupied by the Moorish side and houses the effigy of Muhammad.
  • 18:00: representation of Smuggling by the Comparsa de Andaluces, from the vicinity of Plaza María Auxiliadora to Plaza del Rollo.
  • 18:30: rosario; a las 19:00, mass of the first day of the triduum.
  • 21:00: Great Parade from Constitution Avenue, at Coronel Selva and San Isidro, to the beginning of Nueva Street; then, festivals.

Monday, 7 September 2026

  • 07:00: Diana of all the troupes and opening of the temple. Masses at 08:00 y 09:00.
  • 11:00: solemn mass dedicated to the sick in Santiago.
  • 12:00: offering to Our Lady María de las Virtues and presentation of infants, from Avenida de la Constitución to the church of Santiago.
  • 19:00: Parade of Hope, with the children's members of the troupes, from María Auxiliadora Square to the beginning of Nueva Street.
  • 19:30: rosario; a las 20:00, mass of the second day of the triduum.
  • 23:00: Retreat of all the groups from Nueva Street to María Auxiliadora Square.
  • 00:00: concert by the Ambrosio Cotes Choir in honour of the patron saint, in Santiago.
  • 01:00 del día 8: dawn in the Plaza de Santiago; at 01:30, fireworks castle from the Atalaya and festivals.

Tuesday 8 September 2026

  • 07:00: Diana of all the troupes and opening of the temple. Masses at 08:00 y 09:00.
  • 10:30: solemn mass in honour of Our Lady Mary of the Virtues, third day of the triduum.
  • 12:15: Guerrilla and Embassy of Cristiano al Moro. After the Christian occupation of the castle, the effigy of Muhammad was handed over to the representatives of Biar.
  • 18:00: Conversion of the Moor to Christianity on the main altar of Santiago; Next, solemn procession of the Virgin through the old town, returning to the Plaza de Santiago.

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

  • 07:30: beginning of the Farewell Pilgrimage, preceded by the harquebusiers of the groups.
  • 08:00 y 08:30: masses in the church of Santiago.
  • 09:00: departure of the patron saint to the Sanctuary through Plaza de Santiago, Ramón y Cajal, Joaquín María López, Cánovas del Castillo, Cristóbal Amorós and Gil Osorio; farewell at the Yecla highway level crossing and continuation to the Sanctuary, where mass will be celebrated and the Conversion will be repeated.
  • 17:00: Entry of New Captains, Ensigns and Godmothers from Constitution Avenue to the beginning of Nueva Street. Afterwards, the new positions and councilors are proclaimed and the awards ceremony is read in the Plaza de Santiago.

Related information and official source

Consult the general file of the Moors and Christians of Villena.

Source: Villena City Council: approval agreement and official programme of events for 2026, file 1833678A.

Sources