Monument to the Moor and the Christian

The monument to the Moor and the Christian
is located in the Plaza de la Purísima.
It stands in front of the main facade
of the Church of San José.

The monument is a stone sculpture
depicting a Moor and a Christian.
Between them is the shield of Abanilla.
The sculpture commemorates the
Moor and Christian festivals.
These festivals are celebrated
in many towns in Spain
since the Middle Ages.
It is known that in 1598
they were already celebrated in Abanilla.

The way the Moor and Christian festivals
are celebrated in Abanilla
has changed over time.
Since 1973, the people divide
into two groups: kábilas or mesnadas.
Every May 1st, the two factions
gather and celebrate a parade.