On the official Day of the Valencian Community (October 9th), the Valencian Federation of Moors and Christians organise the Moors and Christians parades in València. More than 40 groups march and dance accompanied by music played by numerous bands. The parade follows the usual route: Glorieta, Pau Street, Sant Vicent Street, and the City Hall square. Some 1,500 people march, including festers, flag or symbol carriers, dancers, and the two captains, the Christian one and the Moor one. The aim is to festively re-enact the fight between the conquering Christian troops and the Muslim forces, who were ultimately defeated.
The origin of the traditional Moors and Christians Parade can be found in the 1980s following an initiative by falles commissions and several festa groups. On the occasion of the 775th anniversary of the conquest of València by Jaume I, and with the collaboration of the council, the first official parade was held. The creation of numerous Moors and Christians groups in València, and their many leisure activities led to the organisation of the 1st Parade of València in 2004, coordinated by the Federation of Moors and Christians.
