Saturday night was the spectacular parade of all the Moors and Christians through the main streets of Benidorm. The celebrations started on Wednesday 28th September and finished on Sunday 2nd October.
The Moors and Christians are celebrated in most Spanish towns and cities and commemorate the battles, combats and fights between Moors (or Muslims) and Christians during the period known as "Reconquista" - the time from the 8th century through to the 15th century. The festivals represent the capture of the city by the Moors and the subsequent Christian conquest.
The Christians wear fur, metallic helmets & armor and ride horses. The costumes are very elaborate and look extremley heavy to wear - especially with all the head gear.
In contrast, the Moors wear ancient Arab costumes and carry scimitars.
It did start to drizzle briefly at one point but the procession carried on ....
I must say that as the floats went by, with children hanging off and waving or the lines of Moors waving swords or flames that health and safety back in the UK would have gone into spasm !!!
