«Moors and Christians Festivities 2026: Morning Alardo»

Once the negotiations have ended without an agreement, the Alardo, or musket battle, begins. The morning Alardo starts at 11:00 a.m. from the Castle, with the departure of the Christian Captain and the Christian Ensign, followed by their respective ranks.

The Christian side splits into two columns: one led by the Christian Captain, which marches up Sant Nicolau Street and El Camí to the flower shop La Rosa, where the Encaro with the Moorish Captain takes place. Afterward, the Captain retreats along El Camí to rejoin the parade at the intersection with Ramón y Cajal, while the rest of the Christian ranks descend Sant Mateu, cross the Red Cross square, pass through Sant Nicolau, and arrive at Plaça d’Espanya.

At the same time, the Christian Ensign and his processions descend along Sant Llorenç Street and País Valencià Avenue to the intersection with Joan Cantó, where the Encaro with the Moorish Ensign takes place. Afterward, the Ensign turns back and joins the last Christian procession at the Pintor Gisbert Square. The rest of the processions continue along Pintor Gisbert, Roger de Llúria, Bartolomé J. Gallardo, and Rigoberto Albors, then head back up Avenida del País Valencià and finally arrive at Plaça d’Espanya.

The Moorish contingent also splits into two columns. The Moorish Captain advances toward the Encaro with the Christian Captain on El Camí and then continues along Sant Nicolau until reaching Plaça d’Espanya. Meanwhile, the Moorish Ensign meets the Christian Ensign on Joan Cantó and proceeds to Plaça d’Espanya, accompanied by his filaes.

Finally, the filaes enter Plaça d’Espanya alternately. The Captains take their places next to City Hall and the Ensigns next to the Catholic Workers’ Circle. The skirmish takes place in the square, with the Christians retreating toward the Castle and the Moors advancing toward it.

The event concludes with a symbolic hand-to-hand battle in Plaça d’Espanya and at the Castle, which is ultimately taken by the Moors.