Fiestas
in Spain occur virtually every month, which is not a bad thing as a great time
is had by all. Obviously Teulada has a few fiestas of its own. The most well
known one and probably the best is San Vicente Ferrer (1357-1419) patron Saint
of Teulada. The fiesta normally spreads itself over a two week period and is
celebrated the Monday after Easter Monday. If you took part in all the activities
and late night sessions you would need another holiday to get over it! Where
do the Spanish acquire all their energy from?
Moraira
has its main fiesta the first two weeks of July. On the 15th and 16th fiestas
are celebrated for the Virgin Mary and the Virgin Carmen, in whose honour an
emotive maritime procession takes place on the sea and through the streets.
In the evening you will witness "mascletaes" which is one of the most
spectacular firework displays you will have ever probably seen. The Spanish
just love their fireworks.
One
of the most colourful fiestas in terms of costumes is the Moors and Christians.
This fiesta was first celebrated in Alcoy and includes theatrics, masquerading,
music, spectacular costumes and gunpowder. The fiesta de Moros y Cristanos normally
starts with parades of men in glorious costume marching slowly through the streets.
They march in small groups called esquadras with each group being followed by
its own band. This fiesta has now become the
showcase
for the provinces of Alicante and Valencia. You can still see today all those
years ago the changes the Moors made in the country, such as the terraces on
the hillsides that makes it possible for almonds, olives and grapes to grow
in which would have been unusable areas.
