Before dawn, at 05:00 AM, the Fester's Mass was celebrated at the Santa María parish. Afterwards, starting at 6:00 AM, the parade proceeded through the city center streets. Despite the persistent rain, the festive atmosphere remained undiminished.
After the raising of the cross standard at the castle at 05:45 AM, the squads began their route from the Plaza de España. Each 'filà' was represented by a squad of ten participants and their leader, accompanied by a music band. For the second consecutive year, men and women paraded together in the same squads.
“"It is the first act of the festivities and the starting signal. It is very emotional, because it is a more intimate act, with representation from each 'filà' and the music."
Attendees also agreed in highlighting the traditional value of the act. A neighbor stated that “the 'diana' is tradition, and it moves us Alcoyans even if it rains,” while another pointed out that it is “a key moment that marks the beginning of a very special day.”
With the 'diana', Alcoy kicks off three days of celebrations in honor of Saint George. This event is characterized by a more sober and representative format than other parades, such as the 'Entradas'. The route, which begins and ends in the Plaza de España, maintains an orderly and solemn rhythm as the city transitions from the darkness of dawn to the first lights of day.
The route was initiated by the Andalusos filà, who hold the Christian captaincy this year. Afterwards, the Moorish sergeant major opened the Marràqueix filà, who hold the Moorish captaincy. The festivities were declared an international tourist interest in 1980 and also hold the distinction of intangible cultural heritage (BIC).
