Every summer, the picturesque town of Pego bursts into colour, music and celebration as it hosts one of the Marina Alta’s most impressive festivals – the Moros y Cristianos (Moros i Cristians). The 2026 Grand Parade once again transformed the streets into a spectacular display of history, tradition and pageantry, attracting thousands of spectators from across the Valencian Community and beyond.

Although the festival commemorates the period of Moorish and Christian influence in medieval Spain, today’s celebrations are first and foremost a cultural event. Rather than recreating battles, the emphasis is on music, elaborate costumes, artistic floats and the pride of the local filaes (festival groups), each of which spends months preparing for this special occasion.

The modern Moros y Cristianos celebrations in Pego date back to 1967, when local residents established the festival as a way of celebrating the town’s heritage. Since then, it has grown into one of the Marina Alta’s best-known annual events and has become an important part of the local cultural calendar.

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The highlight of the weekend is undoubtedly the Grand Parade. For several hours, the streets fill with magnificent costumes inspired by both Moorish and Christian history, accompanied by powerful brass bands performing traditional festive music. Every filà presents carefully choreographed entrances designed to impress both judges and spectators.

One of the defining features of Moros y Cristianos celebrations across the Valencian Community is the extraordinary craftsmanship that goes into the costumes. Rich fabrics, embroidered cloaks, ornate armour, ceremonial swords, feathered headdresses and intricate jewellery combine to create an unforgettable visual spectacle. Many of these costumes are handmade and represent months of dedicated work.

The 2026 edition featured the Moorish Captaincy led by Filà Feixucs, with Captain Teo Llambies Abat, while the Christian Ambassador was represented by Filà Templàries, with Merche Franqueza Sanchis serving as Ambaixadora. Their beautifully decorated groups and impressive floats formed the centrepiece of this year’s parade, drawing enthusiastic applause throughout the route.

Beyond the Grand Parade itself, the festivities include concerts, historical embassies, children’s events, street entertainment and community celebrations that continue late into the evening. The entire town becomes immersed in the festival, with residents decorating balconies and welcoming visitors from across Spain.

Pego’s location also makes it an ideal destination to combine culture with tourism. Situated between the Mediterranean coast and the mountains of the Marina Alta, the town offers visitors easy access to nearby beaches, natural parks and traditional Valencian villages. Many people attending the festival extend their visit to explore attractions such as the Marjal de Pego-Oliva Natural Park or the coastal resorts of Dénia, Oliva and Jávea.

What makes Moros y Cristianos so special is the incredible sense of community behind the event. Entire families often belong to the same filà across several generations, with months of planning, rehearsals and costume preparation leading up to the celebrations. It is this local passion that gives the festival its authentic character and ensures its traditions continue to thrive.

This video captures the complete atmosphere of the 2026 Grand Parade in Pego, from the stirring sound of the marching bands to the breathtaking costumes, elegant floats and vibrant performances. Whether you are interested in Spanish traditions, photography, music or simply discovering one of the Valencian Community’s most colourful festivals, Moros y Cristianos in Pego offers an unforgettable experience and remains one of the highlights of the summer festival calendar in eastern Spain.