The Ontinyent City Council and the Festers’ Society have scheduled a series of activities that will take place over the weekend of April 4-6 to commemorate the historic recognition of the Moors and Christians Festivities as Festivities of International Tourist Interest.

In a press conference held in front of the large commemorative mural of this declaration in the Plaza de la Coronación, the city’s mayor, Jorge Rodríguez, highlighted the dual purpose of this celebration: “On the one hand, to invite all citizens to participate in this historic event, and on the other, to open the doors to visitors so they can experience a concentrated version, a taste, of what our Great Week is like.” Rodríguez recalled the collective effort involved in achieving this recognition and emphasized the work of the Festers’ Society in condensing the richness of the festivities into a single weekend: “We want visitors to mark August in their calendars to return to Ontinyent and fully enjoy the festival.” He also pointed out that the planned activities are designed so that the entire population can feel part of this historic milestone.

Ricardo Calabuig, president of the Festers’ Society, detailed the program of events, which will include an official opening on Friday, April 4, featuring a lecture by festero Moromarino Rafa Gandía Borreda. This talk will discuss the influence of the festival and the process leading to its recognition as an event of International Tourist Interest. Afterward, at the Casino of the Festers’ Society, a reception will be held for attendees.

On Saturday morning, a round table discussion will be held with former presidents of the Society, led by the vice president, to discuss the challenges and evolution of the festival. In the afternoon, a grand special parade will take place, divided into several thematic sections. The first section, “We Are History,” will pay tribute to all the now-defunct comparsas and historical costumes no longer in use. Then, in the “Entry of Bands,” this act will be represented, featuring a tribute to Maestro Ferrero, composer of the Moorish march “Chimo,” which will be performed by the Ontinyent Artistic Musical Union.

The parade will then recreate sections dedicated to the Christian Entrance and the Moorish Entrance, as well as the Embassies, the Descent of Christ, the Smuggling, and the Announcement, which will symbolize the declaration of International Tourist Interest. Finally, all participating bands will join together to perform the Moorish march “Chimo.” The day will conclude with a party organized by the City Council, featuring live music from the local group Germans Brothers and a mobile disco.

On Sunday, April 6, historical reenactments will be held from one of the recently restored towers of the northern wall, including the Smuggling, the Embassies, and the Farmers’ Dance.

The Councilor for Festivities, Àngels Muñoz, emphasized the City Council’s involvement in organizing this event. “For weeks, we have been working hand in hand with the Festers’ Society to ensure that this is a celebration for the entire city,” she explained. Muñoz stressed that the main goal is to extend the commemoration to all citizens and visitors. “We want them to feel part of this commemoration because this declaration is not just recognition for the festival but for all of Ontinyent,” she stated.

In addition to the main activities, various exhibitions and cultural events related to the history and evolution of the Moors and Christians Festivities will take place throughout the weekend. The event will also feature the participation of hundreds of musicians from both local and other municipal bands.