Moros y Cristianos - The Moors and Christians Fiesta

This is the most important fiesta of Mojacar, where many of the villagers don their acting hats and their elaborate costumes and throw themselves into the portrayal of the heroic legend from the 15th century interactions between the long standing Arab residents and the Catholic invaders. Celebrated early to mid June, this renowned three day fiesta is not only visited by citizens of the province but by tourists from all over Spain and Europe.

The story behind the festivities relate to the Christian Conquest of the territory involving the addition of Mojacar to the Kingdom of the new Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabel, after centuries of Arab rule. It tells the tale of how the Moorish governor of Mojacar made a stand for his people in a brave statement to his aggressors, it is said that in his declaration he was insistent that he would only pledge allegiance to the new rulers if they would allow his people to remain in their homes and to keep the land that they and their ancestors had worked and lived on for centuries gone by, thus living side by side and in peace with the new rulers. Taking a huge risk, he is quoted as saying that before he would `surrender like a coward` he would be prepared to `die as a Spaniard` such were his beliefs for the rights of his people. His bravery paid off and enabled a compromise to be made between the two religions, the deal was sealed and Mojacar was officially and peacefully handed over to the Christians.

Commencing on a Friday the evening events start around Parade to Mojacar village 10pm at the foot of the pueblo with blunderbuss firers and the grouping of the troops at the public fountain, it was here many years ago that the Moorish leader is said to have made his courageous statement to the Christian ambassador and the scene is reenacted in the key to the city ceremony on the gallery overlooking the fountain and above the plaque Beach entertainment on which the historical events are written. The troops then ascend and enter the village, presided over by their respective captains and accompanied by bands, fireworks and musket fire where the fiestas continues until the early hours.

Saturday sees a confrontation between the Moorish and Christian troops down on the beach, Moors and Christians fiesta on the beach an exhibition of horsemanship and a belly dancing show precedes a medieval tournament between the Moorish and Christian knights, after which the troops march to the commercial center joined by entertainers and spectators.

The beach events start early evening, around 6pm, and are held at Playa Descargador, the evening party continues in the pueblo with the opening of the troops encampments at 10pm.

The finale is on Sunday in the form of a colorful procession through the village streets down to the fountain.
Adding to the entertainment and village atmosphere, is the day and night medieval market in Plaza Nueva, with stalls offering traditional trinkets, craft work and jewelry, samples Medieval market in Mojacar village of customary cuisine, and a mystical ambiance to the whole affair.

It is worth noting that entry to the village by vehicle tends to be prohibited from around 10pm, this rule excludes buses which run from the beach up to the pueblo and taxis which are readily available.

Santa Semana - Holy Week

Celebrated in the week leading up to Easter, the lively festivities include the important Good Friday procession. This religious parade follows a statue of Jesus Christ baring his cross, it ascends the cobbled streets of the pueblo to the church and is followed by the municipal band and many visitors who flock to the village to witness the moving ceremony.

Romería de San Isidro - San Isidro Pilgrimage

On a Sunday in mid May the villagers of Mojacar, in honor of San Isidro, make a pilgrimage to Sopalmo, a small hamlet in the heart of the hills between Mojacar and Carboneras. The journey from Mojacar to Sopalmo is done in true Spanish style, a procession of flower decorated floats and trailers, accompanied by music, is followed by cars, vans and motorcycles, and much horn beeping. Once at the destination families and friends will celebrate with a feast of food and drink.

Fiesta in Honor of Saint Agustín

A weekend event at the end of August in honor of Mojacars patron saint. Festivities include the floral offerings and procession of the Mojaqueras, where women, dressed in traditional costume, carry pitchers of water and flowers from the fountain to the church. Another fiesta tradition, the Corridas de Cintas, involves the young men of the village generally showing off their horse riding skills as they ride under a rope aiming to reach up and remove one of the colored tapes which have been loosely attached by the single females of the village.