June 6 to 14 Moors and Christians festivities in Jumilla

A medieval market, parades and reenactments as Jumilla commemorates the events of the Middle Ages

The fiestas of the Moors and Christians have a long history in the town of Jumilla, with records showing that they were celebrated at least as long ago as 1614, and during the first years of this millennium they were included within the annual fiestas during August.

However, for a variety of reasons including the pandemic, they were suspended for a few years from 2019, and when they were reinstated it was in a new slot in the local calendar. As a result, the celebration of the times when the Moors were ousted from Jumilla to be ruled over by Christian governors is taking place in 2026 between June 6 and 14.

The programme includes the following: 

Saturday June 6

21.00: As a spectacular and atmospheric curtain-raiser there is a torchlit parade from the Jardín dela Glorieta to the castle, where the keys of the castle are headed over to the “Alcaide” and the flags are raised.

Friday June 12

18.00: The medieval market opens, followed at 20.30 by the official ceremony at the Arco de San Roque.

18.00 and 19.30: Storytelling for children at the market.

18.00 to 21.00: Children’s workshop, painting treasure chests and masks at the market.

19.30 and 21.00: Falconry displays at the market.

20.30 and 21.30: Music and dancing with Vendaval Folk at the market.

22.00: The festival encampment opens with a procession from the Arco de San Roque to Calle San Roque, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Cánovas del Castillo, Calle Valencia, Avenida Reyes Católicos to the fairground. On arrival there is DJ music until late.

Saturday June 13

11.00: The medieval market opens.

11.00 to 13.30: Children’s workshop, painting treasure chests and masks at the market.

12.00, 13.15, 18.30, 20.00 and 21.00: Music and dancing with Vendaval Folk at the market.

12.00, 13.15, 18.00 and 19.30: Storytelling for children at the market.

13.15, 19.15 and 20.15: Falconry displays at the market.

18.00 to 21.00: Children’s workshop, painting treasure chests and masks at the market.

20.00: The festival bands enter the town along Plaza de la Glorieta, Calle Cánovas del Castillo, and Plaza de la Constitución to the Arco de San Roque.

21.00: The Grand Moors and Christians parade 2026. Route: Arco de San Roque to Calle San Roque, Plaza de la Constitución, Calle Cánovas del Castillo, Plaza de la Glorieta, Jardón del Rollo.

Sunday June 14

11.00: The medieval market opens.

11.00 to 13.30: Children’s workshop, painting treasure chests and masks at the market.

12.00, 13.15, 18.00 and 19.30: Storytelling for children at the market.

12.00, 13.00, 18.30, 20.00 and 21.00: Music and dancing with Vendaval Folk at the market.

18.00 to 21.00: Children’s workshop, painting treasure chests and masks at the market.

21.00: The embassies of the Moors and Christians at the fairground encampment.

22.00: The market closes.

For more local news, events and visiting information please contact the tourist office (telephone 968 780237, email oficinaturismo@jumilla.org) or go to the home page of Jumilla Today.