Following the successful Moors and Christians parade in Altea last month it is now the turn of Benidorm to put on the glitz.

Festivities begin late tonight, 10pm Thursday 3rd October when the Moors march along the end section of the Levante beach front - at the Old Town end to attack the Christians! It is very theatrical and the groups take it all very seriously.

Castle where the battles will take place...

Tomorrow, Friday 4th October the battles begin - starting at 6pm. The venue for this is the castle - no not a real one but the one that has been constructed at the bottom of Calle Gambo on the Plaza Triangular.
Firstly the Moors attack the Christians then after a quick stop the Christians will have a go at 7pm. It is all great fun and very visual with bangs and explosions going on - they have been practising for weeks.

Saturday 4th October is what is considered by most as the best part of the event - the parade through the streets of the Old Town. There will be lots of eye catching costumes and the two Kings - one Moor and one Christian will be on floats waving to the crowds. The Spanish so like dressing up and it is a real family event for both participants and spectators. The parade starts at 8pm and will travel down the Avd Ruzafa and then down the Calle Gambo, ending up on the Plaza Triangular where they disperse and go off to eat. Restaurants will start filling up at around 10.30pm so if you are planning on going somewhere it is best to book - however, most Brits would probably have eaten beforehand, not accustomed to the late night eating habits of the Spanish.

Sunday 6th October is the final day of the fiesta. The first event is a flower procession at 12 Noon, starting from the castle up to the church of San Jaime at the Mirador in the Old Town which is followed by mass at 1pm - the flower procession is rather pretty to watch. Then to finish off at 7.30pm there is a final parade through the streets with all the participants and also the town´s Fiests Queens in all their finery.

The Calle Gambo is probably one of the best places to watch from as the street is very wide - remember to take your camera and keep your valuables close by.