The decision on the dates for Alcoy's Moors and Christians Festival in 2027 has been postponed. The municipal plenary session has agreed to table the issue after growing opposition became evident to the proposal for the festival to be held on weekdays, specifically from April 22nd to 24th, which falls from Thursday to Saturday. This proposal aligns with the traditional celebration dates and marks a shift from the usual weekend schedule.
Rejection of the proposal comes not only from the Federation of Businessmen (Fedac), the Federation of Commerce, and the CC OO union, but has also extended into the political arena. While Guanyar Alcoi abstained in the Economic and Social Council (CES), other parties such as Compromís and Vox have announced a change in their vote to oppose it. The Popular Party requested the matter be tabled, resulting in it not being addressed in this Friday's plenary session.
The primary reasons for the rejection center on economic concerns. It is believed that holding the festival on weekdays leads to a significant decrease in visitors, negatively impacting economic outcomes, particularly for the hospitality, restaurant, and retail sectors. Furthermore, it is argued that when the festivals coincide with a weekend, Alcoy residents who live or work elsewhere find it easier to travel to the city.
Mayor Toni Francés and Councillor for Festivals, Jordi Martínez, held a press conference to announce that a spokesperson's meeting had taken place to agree on tabling the local holidays proposal, which designated April 22nd and 23rd as festive days. The aim is to continue negotiations to achieve a broad majority for the following year. The mayor indicated that the shifts in political stances are due to the upcoming elections.
Toni Francés recalled that the proposal to hold the festival from April 22nd to 24th originated from the Saint George Association, coinciding with the 750th anniversary, to ensure the patron saint's day was a holiday and to celebrate the closing of the year of Saint George's patronage. The mayor had committed to defending this proposal, considering it a unique celebration.
Following the proposal by the Saint George Association, the matter was ratified by the CES without unanimity. After postponing the approval, contacts will be maintained to seek maximum consensus. A new CES meeting and an extraordinary plenary session are anticipated in two weeks, as the local holidays must be communicated to the Conselleria for ratification before the end of July.
