Ontinyent concludes its festivals with high attendance and "spectacular" assessment

The mayor and the Festers Society highlight participation despite rain, with 'La Gran' consolidated and a search for a new date for 'Chimo'.

Generic image of a street during a Moors and Christians festival in the Valencian Community.
IA

Generic image of a street during a Moors and Christians festival in the Valencian Community.

Ontinyent has concluded its 2026 Moors and Christians festivals with crowded streets and high participation, resulting in an assessment considered "spectacular" by the City Council and the Festers Society.

The capital of Vall d’Albaida welcomed thousands of people during the celebration, which this year obtained the declaration of International Tourist Interest. Although rain forced the suspension of the Bands Parade, the overall development of the festival has been very positive.
Mayor Jorge Rodríguez described this year's edition as "spectacular," emphasizing the collective work between the council, the Festers Society of the Santíssim Crist de l’Agonia, and the comparsas. The intense occupation of streets and festive spaces by both residents and visitors was noticeable from the start.
The Moors and Christians Parade gathered over 4,000 participants and a hundred musical groups, this year incorporating new ornamental arches. The president of Festers, Ricardo Calabuig, expressed the feeling that "the town was fuller than ever," highlighting the extraordinary response to all events.
The ‘La Gran’ space at the Textile Museum has seen increased attendance compared to the previous year, consolidating itself as an essential part of the festivals. The programming at La Glorieta also registered high participation, expanding the parallel offerings.
Rain thwarted the anticipated 'Chimo' of the Year Mestre Ferrero, planned during the Bands Parade. The City Council and the Festers Society are already working to hold this performance on another date within the Ferrero Year.
The mayor thanked the work of all municipal services, security forces, volunteers, and involved entities, emphasizing that "together we have once again shown that Ontinyent knows how to work united."