July in Orihuela out for the celebration of Reconquest and Moors and Christians Festivities, declared of National Tourism Interest in 2017. Year after year, around July 17, full of color, splendor and majesty the streets of the city, leaving no one indifferent, with its ceremonious celebration of the feast, solemn parades, gunpowder guerrillas or events taking place in relation to the Oriol teaches Glorious.


The "reconquest" of the city and its passage to the Christian world is a complex historical phenomenon in which both the crown of Castile as Aragon were involved. In 1266 James I the Conqueror quelled the uprising Moorish taking the city for his son King Alfonse X of Castile.


Meanwhile Armengola legend narrates as the governor of the castle of Orihuela, Bezaddon, he proposed passing knife Christian residents in the Mozarabs of Arrabal Roig, except for the mother of his son, called Armengola, her husband Pedro Armengol and his two daughters. The Armengola warned Christians, revealing the plan of the Mohammedans, and up to the fortress accompanied by her husband and two sturdy young, Ruidoms and Arnum, they dressed in the clothes of his daughters, went to the Saracen sword guard. Santas Justa and Rufina appeared in the form of stars on the main tower to illuminate the fray. The troops of James I of Aragon, who were in the vicinity, took the city the next day, on July 17, the feast of the holy.
History and legend intertwine in the celebration of the feast, it institutionalizes from 1400 with the completion of a series of acts, the most important: the civic-religious procession of the glorious Teaches of Oriol and the Sermon on the the holy Mass.


This celebration will be joined by other acts throughout the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries: comedies, dances, giants, poetic jousts, bullfights and mock battles between Moors and Christians. Forming one of the oldest festivals of this kind in the province, refounded in 1974 after many years of neglect.


The most significant element of our festivals is The Glorious teaches of the Oriol, declared cultural heritage (B.I.C.) and main symbol of identity oriolanos. Originally had a dual function, was used both as a banner of war (representing the city or even the King) and as festive banner. The flag has the titles of Real and Glorious and privilege to bow only to God (during the celebration of the Eucharist) and to the King. Why it is lowered or raised by cords that always kept upright. You will also render honors as Captain General, therefore, it is received and is removed with the National Anthem and 24 salvos of Honor. Embroidered on the flag, one of the oldest in Spain, appears the motto "Semper ensis vester prevaluit" which means "always prevail your sword" real privilege granted by Pedro Ceremonious.


The banner is crowned by the Oriol or Herodio symbol of the city, which also appears in the shield. Each year the Municipal Council elects the Trustee Carrier Oriol, recalling a charge of Consell of the leasehold period, which usually falls in a person who has made a special contribution to the benefit of Orihuela, either from the professional, political or human field.
The big day, on July 17, the Trustee on procession the Glorious Teaches of Oriol, under maces, along with the Municipal Corporation, the Cathedral Chapter, the highest representatives of the National and Body Local Police and all the groups of Moors and Christians, tucking her and accompanying her on its route through the main streets of the city. In addition, the Trustee participates in the public exhibition of such a distinguished banner on the central balcony of the town hall, the night of 16 and 17 July.


Another characteristic of the Moors and Christians in Orihuela features is the recovery of the figure of the Armengola and Receivership carrier Glorious Oriol teaches as honorary positions.
From 1991 to honor the Armengola, a woman is chosen to personify that during the Moors and Christians. This legend is represented annually in the taking of the Castle, after the guerrilla powder, in which both sides staged a battle along the streets, ending in a recreation of the castle, there Moor Alcaide is forced to deliver the keys thereof to the Christian side.


The Moors and Christians is also celebrated with other acts such as the wreath, which all troupes, dressed in his suit half gala, offer flowers to the co-patron of the city, the Santas Justa and Rufina; the children's parade, where new generations are responsible for parading with the solemnity and majesty that age allows them; the great festive retreat, where humor, irony and costumes take to the streets in a colorful parade to Moor Entry and Christian Entrance, every year surprise viewers with its sublime stagings, its lavish floats, their superb dances and regal and applauded ranks.
In short, the oriolana Reconquest is holding an important milestone in the history of the city of Orihuela, but also a cheerful, fun and lively party, in which all who visit can enjoy the proud parades and enjoy after orchestras and dances organized by Kabyle and different quarters. Reliving history, know the legend and feel the party, only happens in Orihuela.