An event celebrated throughout Spain, the Moors and Christians Festival is especially significant in Alicante.

Five times a year the city remembers the 17th-century clashes, when groups of Moors and Christians drove through the country, accompanied by noisy bands and resulting in a battle between the two groups.

Residents march through the streets dressed in period costume and re-enact the battles between the troops.

Festivities end when the armies 'retreat', and copious amounts of food and drink are consumed, while dancing takes place.

The celebration occurs in different parts of the city depending on the time of year. It is in Villafranqueza from April 30th to May 4th, San Blas from June 6th to 9th, July 3rd - 6th in Rebolledo, August 12th -16th in Altozano and August 29th - September 1st in Jose Antoniao.

Alicante is the second largest Valencian city and is also the capital of the popular beach resort Costa Blanca