From Oslo to Alcoy: 40 Norwegians Experience the Moors and Christians Festival Firsthand

An unforgettable cultural excursion combining history, music, and Valencian tradition

Last Saturday, Costa de Valencia, Spanish language school, enjoyed one of those experiences that remind us why we love what we do: we accompanied a group of 40 Norwegian students to Alcoy to immerse ourselves in one of the most spectacular and emblematic festivals of the Valencian Community: the Moors and Christians Festival.

What began as a simple excursion turned into a living lesson in history, culture, and coexistence. And we want to share it with you.

12:00 pm: The Christian Parade Welcomes Us with Excitement

We arrived in Alcoy at midday, just in time to witness the Christian Parade. From the first notes played by the marching bands, the atmosphere was filled with energy: costumes embroidered in gold and silk, gleaming shields, adorned horses, and choreographed processions recreating the arrival of the Christian troops.

Our Norwegian students, many of whom were seeing a celebration of this scale for the first time, were amazed. They asked questions, took photos, recorded videos… and, above all, they felt it. Because the festivals in Alcoy are not just a spectacle: they are collective memory, local pride, and art in motion.

“It’s like traveling back in time, but with live music,” one participant commented.

Lunch in the Square: Flavors and Conversation

After the parade, we gathered in La Glorieta to share an informal meal. It was the perfect moment to practice Spanish in a relaxed environment: exchanging impressions of what we had seen, reviewing new vocabulary (“filaes,” “captain,” “embassy”), and, of course, enjoying the local gastronomy.

The square, decorated with banners and dressed for the occasion, became our improvised classroom. And, as often happens on our excursions, learning never stopped for a moment.

Plis Plai and La Mentira: The Taste of the Festival

In the afternoon, before the second major event of the day, we made a must-stop at the Plaza Mayor to try two typical drinks from the Alcoy festivities.

La Mentira: a smooth cocktail made with coffee liqueur, lemon, and a hint of cinnamon.

Plis Plai: a refreshing mix of coffee liqueur and Coca-Cola, with a more intense flavor.

Both are served in characteristic one-liter plastic cups and are almost a symbol of the celebration. Our students toasted to Valencian culture, to learning Spanish, and to the new friendships made during the trip. And several of them went back for more!

5:00 pm: The Moorish Parade, Magic and Spectacle

With our front-row seats already reserved, we returned to enjoy the Moorish Parade, possibly the most visually striking and theatrical moment of the festivities.

Here, luxury reaches another dimension: costumes inspired by North Africa, feathered turbans, curved swords, oriental dances, and choreographies that blend tradition and spectacle. The sound of the drums, the shimmer of the embroidery, and the passion of the participants created an almost magical atmosphere.

Our group, now more confident and familiar with the context, experienced the parade with new eyes. They were no longer just spectators: they had become part of a centuries-old tradition.

Why These Excursions Are Key to Our Method

At Costa de Valencia, we believe Spanish is best learned by living it. Classrooms are essential, of course, but the streets, festivals, spontaneous conversations, and shared experiences are what truly consolidate learning.

This excursion to Alcoy allowed us to:

Practice the language in real and meaningful contexts

Experience firsthand a festival declared of International Tourist Interest

Strengthen group cohesion and build confidence among students

Create memories that inspire continued learning

And most importantly: have fun while learning. Because when learning is experienced with emotion, it stays forever.

Would You Like to Live an Experience Like This?

At Costa de Valencia, Spanish language school, we regularly organize cultural activities and excursions to complement classroom learning. From visits to monuments to participation in traditional festivals like this one, our goal is to make your stay in Valencia as enriching as it is unforgettable.

Spanish courses for all levels, also with Bildungsurlaub recognition

Integrated cultural program

International groups and a multicultural environment

Thanks to Our Norwegian Students

To the 40 brave participants who embarked on this adventure with us: thank you for your energy, curiosity, and eagerness to learn. You have made this excursion a special memory for the entire Costa de Valencia team.

Skål, thank you, and see you on the next adventure!