The Moors and Christians in Xàbia gets off to a strong start despite the rain

The Moors and Christians celebrations, held in honour of Sant Jaume, have gotten off to a strong start in Xàbia. For a week now, the banners of all the Moors and Christians groups have been waving in the main streets of Aduanas del Mar, announcing the arrival of the troops of the crescent moon and the cross.

Neither rain nor wind could defeat the determination and fortitude of Xàbia’s great festive family. Despite the understandable delay following the downpour, the formal presentation of the celebrations was a success. The organising committee held an emergency meeting to discuss the continuation of the event, and after confirming that it would not rain again and ensuring the safety of all participants, it was decided to proceed with a postponement.

The presentation ceremony held this Saturday marks the beginning of a series of celebrations that will fill the streets of the municipality with history, tradition, and colour for the coming days. Prior to the massive event held on Avenida Lepanto, the spectacular costumes that the filaes will wear in the gala parades on the weekend of July 19th and 20th could be seen during the parade gathering of representatives participating in the presentation.

The event, hosted by Carmen Torres and Alberto Cardona, was one of emotion and symbolism, including stunning ballets by the Escuela de Baile Endanza and officially proclaiming this year’s stars. To the surprise of the entire audience, the 2025 Mora y Cristiana Flag Bearers participated in Endanza’s choreographies, emulating fire and the Andalusian spirit.

Sailor and environmental activist Amadeu Ros served as this year’s Pregonero. Ros recalled the fiesta’s roots when the coast of Xàbia was besieged by Barbary pirates and how local history has always been closely linked to the sea. The president of the organising committee, Mónica Leal, presented him with a commemorative scroll for his contribution to the fiesta’s celebration.

The organising committee wanted to pay a surprise tribute to the well-known local photographer Juan Catalá. For years, Catalá has immortalized the fiesta and, for years, has served as the official photographer. He will continue to do so this year, despite having retired due to his commitment to the Moors & Christians. Representatives from all the filaes welcomed the photographer on stage, who was unexpectedly grateful for the gesture.

The presentation included more emotional moments. This year, the Captaincy falls to Filà Pirates of Sant Jaume, led by its Captains, Rosa Zamora Selva and José Leal Reina, the most veteran members of the Filà. Both took over from Filà Baharis, the captains for 2024. Txema Bengoa and Amaia Arrausi were enthusiastically bid farewell after having generously served as the main representatives for the fiesta.

During the ceremony, each of the Moorish and Christian lines presented their costumes, notable for their spectacular variety of styles, and richness of detail. Elvira Vives Segarra, Moorish Standard-Bearer 2025, led the way for the troops of Al-Tarik’s, Baharis, Schaitans, Xibia, Almoradins, Almoriscos, and Touaregs. After them, the stage changed to welcome the Christian soldiers with Ana Bisquert Ribes, the Christian Flag Bearer 2025, leading the Contrabandistes de Xàbia, Faciners, Trabuquers, Ballesters, Bandoleres, and the Filà Capitana, Pirates of Sant Jaume, who will dazzle the public in the Gala Parades.

The president placed the commemorative bow tie on the banner of Filà Pirates of Sant Jaume for its 25th anniversary whilst the mayor of Xàbia, Rosa Cardona, placed the Captaincy bow alongside.

In addition, the Sant Jaume 2025 Award was presented to Jaime Ortuño Devesa, in recognition of his extensive career in the fiesta world. A member since 1996, he was President of the organising committee in 2002 and 2003, a period in which he successfully led the 25th anniversary of the fiesta and promoted initiatives such as the Fiesta Music Concert. After many years as a member of the Filà Al-Tarik’s, he is currently a member of the Filà Contrabandistes de Xàbia.

The final part of the event was dominated by local fiestas representatives; those of the Casa de Andalucía, the Fogueres de Sant Joan, and the fiestas of Mare de Déu de Loreto took the stage to pay homage to the representatives of the 2025 Moors and Christians and wish them all the best for a full enjoyment of the coming days.

To conclude the event, speeches were given by the president of the Festival Board, the Councilor for Festivals, Mavi Pérez, and the mayor of Xàbia.