The event, held in the City Council's Assembly Hall, marks the symbolic start of the festival calendar with the proclamation of representatives from both sides. The event was attended by the Councillor for Events, Jesús Carrobles, and other members of the municipal corporation, as well as the president of the Associació de Penyes Verge del Sofratge, Diego Carrasco, highlighting the collaboration between local entities.
During the gathering, a check for 400 euros was presented to the organization Doble Amor, from the proceeds of a stand-up comedy event held on April 30th.
Subsequently, the 2026 Moorish King, Emilio Escudero, from the Tuareg filà, and the 2026 Christian Kings, Alberto Sánchez and Silvia Gois, from the Cruzados filà, were officially presented. They will now assume the highest representation of both sides.
The announcement poster for the festival was also unveiled, created by young local artist Quim López. His artwork was selected by a jury from a total of 75 entries submitted by young people aged 12 to 18 from Benidorm's educational centers, with the collaboration of IES Pere Maria Orts i Bosch. The poster will become the official image of the festival and the cover of the 2026 Festival Book.
Jesús Carrobles emphasized the City Council's support for the Moors and Christians festivals, a group that, he highlighted, «works hard all year round» to enhance celebrations that, this year, will take place «in 94 days». The councillor wished them to experience them «with full intensity», and stressed the uniqueness of this festival, «unique in the Valencian Community and in Spain», because «it does not end with any defeat, but with a peace parliament».
The event marked the symbolic starting point for festivals that will take place from October 1st to 4th, and which will once again highlight the tradition, participation, and cultural projection of Benidorm's Moors and Christians.
