Proclamation, key handover and flag raising.

The herald (pregonero) marks the official start of the Moors and Christians Festivities in Dénia. Carefully chosen by the president of the Federation of Moors and Christians (FEMMICC), the town herald has been chosen for his special connection and relevance to the Festivities and the city. On the first Friday of August, his voice resonates in the proclamation, marking the commencement of the celebration.

Next, the mayor, on behalf of the public authorities and the citizens of Dénia, symbolically hands over the keys of the city to the festeros through their president (of FEMMICC), blending the citizens with their celebrations and allowing the participants to fill Dénia with light, gunpowder, color, and music - essential elements of the festivities. The flags are raised in the Plaza del Consell at this moment, indicating that Dénia is enveloped in the festive spirit. From this point, the celebrations start, and the city immerses itself in the festivities until August 16th.

The Filaes:

What is a "filà"?

Filaes are festive associations, nonprofit in nature, typically formed by groups of friends who choose to be part of the celebrations. During their formation, they decide which faction, either Moor or Christian, they want to belong to. The choice of the name and flag of the "filà" should be in harmony with the historical context of the city of Dénia, preferably related to leagues of knights or tribal groups of that era. They subsequently register and collaborate with the Federation of Moors and Christians of Dénia. Each "filà" is financially supported by its members' contributions, as well as through activities like selling lottery tickets, dinners, events, among others, throughout the year. This annual budget is used to cover the expenses associated with the Moors and Christians festivities. It also funds the gala parade, costumes, flags, and distinctive emblems of the "filà," as well as covering the expenses for musicians and dancers during the parade days and other gatherings.

Holding the captaincy is a rotating responsibility. In Dénia, each "filà" assumes this role every 8 years. The captaincy entails additional financial efforts, as they have to cover the inherent expenses of a "filà" and also represent the entire group of "filaès" throughout the year, culminating in the grandiose spectacle of the gala parade.

THE COSTUMES

Each "filà" is distinguished by its own costumes, heraldic emblem, and colors. These elements symbolize the identity and affiliation of the members of each "filà." These characteristics are displayed in all festivities and representative events. Except for the gala parade, where the Gala Costumes are showcased, each faction displays its splendor, aiming to impress the opponent by showcasing wealth, power, and strength.

These costumes are crafted by highly specialized artisans, mainly from the interior of Alicante (places like Villena, Ontinyent, Alcoy, and others). These artisans dedicate their craft exclusively to designing and creating costumes for the Moors and Christians Festivities. Thanks to their experience and skill in this art, the Gala Parade becomes a dazzling exhibition of the most striking outfits and impressive costumes of each "filà." The Gala Parade transforms into a true explosion of color and textures.

When mentioning the Moors and Christians festivities, it is impossible not to mention the city of Alcoy. Alcoy stands as the epicenter of these celebrations, similar to how Valencia plays a central role in the Fallas, setting the pace. Every year in Alcoy, the most notable unveilings take place, including not only the debut of costumes but also new dances, marches, and inspiration for future grand parades. Everything presented there is subsequently replicated in other towns, adapted to different scales but undoubtedly following the example set.

Moor and Christian Filaes in Dénia:

Moors Filaes: 

1. AMARÍES: A group of male Moors established in 1980 and founders of the modern Moors and Christians Festivities. The name recalls an important dynasty that settled in Dénia in 1016, ruling the taifa of Daniya, including the Balearic Islands, until 1076.

2. ALMORÁVIDES: A group of male Moors established in 1980 and also founders of the modern Moors and Christians Festivities. Named in honor of the most warrior tribe during the conquest of Valencia, and hence Dénia, and rejected by El Cid. Their shield and banner feature a crescent moon in the center.

3. WALÍES: A group of male Moors established in 1980 and also founders of the modern Moors and Christians Festivities. Valí or Walí equivalent to a governor, held both civil and military power over a territory in the Ottoman Empire. The shield features three W's at the base, with Dénia's castle rising above and a white Moorish moon on top. The colors represent the Sahara desert's sand and the Mediterranean Sea's blue.

4. ALKAMAR: The first group of female Moors established in 1999. Al-kamar means moon and is strongly present in their attire and banner. They created their own Moorish march, "Daughters of the Moon," an adaptation of the Mecano song.

5. BEREBERS-TUAREGS: A fusion of two male Moors groups, Berebers and Tuaregs, established in 2004 and 2005, respectively, merging their shields into one.

6. ABENCERRAJES: A group of male Moors established in 2006.

7. AMAZIGH: A group of female Berber Moors. The name honors the tribe of Amazighen (free men) who refused to submit to any imposed leader or rule and where women enjoyed equal rights and did not follow Muslim cultural norms.

8. PIRATABERBERISCA: A Berber female Moorish group established in 2011.




Christian Filaes:

1. DENIERS: The first group of male Christians and founders, along with Walies, Amaríes, and Almorávides, of the modern Moors and Christians Festivities.

2. TEMPLARIS: A group of male Christian knights, established in 1987, in remembrance of the Military Order of the Templars whose presence in Dénia after the Christian conquest, during which they were given half of the shipyards, is documented.

3. CAVALLERSDELM'ENFOT: A group of males with 30 years of experience, whose motto is to live the Moors and Christians in their own way and let others live in theirs.

4. ALMOGÀVERS: A group of female Christian warriors established in 1997, honoring the Almogavers, strong, brave, and fierce soldiers. Their war cry is "Desperta Ferro!!" (Awaken Iron!!).

5. MOZÁRABES: A group of male Christians established in 2000, aiming to commemorate the Christians who lived in Muslim territory, preserving their religion, customs, wealth, and churches for 531 years.

6. MARINSCORSARIS: A group of male Christian sailors established in 2002.

7. CREUATS: A group of male Christians established in 2005. It stands out with its two colors, blue and purple, and a large cross on the chest. In honor of all the knights who fought in crusades during the Middle Ages.

8. GUERRERS HOSPITALARIS del Rei Jaume I: A group of Christian male warriors from the Christian faction established in 2007. Its name is in honor of the Knights of the Hospital Order of Saint John (11th to 1309), which played a significant role in the Crusades and the Kingdom of Jerusalem. Their distinctive emblem is a black habit with the Maltese Cross on the chest.