Monument to the Moors and Christians

The Monument to the Moors and Christians is located in the Plaza de la Purísima, in front of the main façade of the Church of San José. Carved in stone, it represents a Moor and a Christian next to the coat of arms of Abanilla commemorating the Moors and Christians festivities, a tradition present in many Spanish towns since the Middle Ages. In Abanilla, there is evidence that these festivities were already being celebrated in 1598.
Over time, the festivity has evolved in each municipality in its own unique way. In the case of Abanilla, since 1973 the locals have been divided into two groups: ‘kábilas’ (Moorish side) and ‘mesnadas’ (Christian side). Every May 1st, both groups parade through the streets of the town accompanied by music bands.