The Local Security Board of Alcoy has outlined an extensive security plan for the upcoming Moors and Christians Festivities, with main events scheduled from April 25 to 27, including the evening of Dia dels Músics on April 24. This year's celebration holds special significance as it marks the 750th anniversary of the patronage of Saint George.
The meeting, chaired by Mayor Toni Francés and the Government Subdelegate in the province of Alicante, Manuel Pineda, saw the participation of various authorities and entities. These included Deputy Mayor Àlex Cerradelo, the councilors for Festivities and Security, Jordi Martínez and Raül Llopis, as well as representatives from the National Police, Local Police, Civil Guard, Autonomous Police, Civil Protection, Firefighters, Red Cross, the Association of Saint George, and the health department.
The security plan involves the joint action of all these bodies, with the National Police focusing on public safety, protection of people and property, and maintaining public order. Special attention will be given to preventing crimes such as theft, burglaries, and disturbances in leisure areas, as well as reinforcing prevention against sexual assaults with specialized units and protocols for immediate victim assistance. The National Police deployment will be organized into four operational zones, with a total of 173 officers during the three main days of the festival.
The Local Police, for their part, will activate a specific victim assistance service from April 20 in coordination with 'purple points', in addition to a traffic control operation including six scheduled road closures and 34 regulation points. Breathalyzer tests will also be conducted on float drivers and horse riders. A total of 104 officers will be mobilized on April 24, 168 on April 25 (including reinforcements from other municipalities), 121 on April 26, and 111 on April 27.
“"We are talking about a context of large influx and high participation, with thousands of people coming to enjoy our festive events, and coordination and communication have proven absolutely essential for the smooth running of the Moors and Christians Festivities."
The Civil Guard will reinforce road safety with approximately 40 personnel and support from municipalities like Villena and Benidorm, intensifying alcohol and drug controls. The Autonomous Police will assist with surveillance in the outskirts. In terms of emergencies, Civil Protection will activate its special plan with 20 volunteers daily and up to 90 on the day of the Entradas, while the Provincial Fire Consortium will deploy nearly 40 personnel. The Red Cross will have 145 people, basic life support ambulances, and advanced medical posts.
The healthcare system is also being reinforced with more medical and nursing staff at the La Fábrica Continuous Care Point and the Virgen de los Lirios Hospital. Additionally, 'purple points' will be set up in various city locations for gender violence prevention. The plan includes specific measures for arquebus events, gunpowder control, and the regulation of pyrotechnic displays, emphasizing that the sale of pyrotechnic material in unauthorized establishments is prohibited.
“"The involvement and readiness of all bodies and services, such as the National Police, the Civil Guard, the Local Police, firefighters, Red Cross, and hospital management, working together to ensure that the people of Alcoy can enjoy their festivities with complete normality and without incidents."
