PERCHED on the Costa Blanca between Alicante and Valencia, the former fishing village of Teulada Moraira is known to most for its charming coves and laid-back atmosphere.

But this quaint little town is also home to a heartwarming traditional festival that transforms it into a slice of medieval Spain.

From 19 to 21 June this year, the Mercat Andalusi (‘Andalucian Market’) will return to this seaside town as part of the 2026 Moors and Christians Festival.

Plaza de la Sort and the surrounding streets will recreate the atmosphere of Al-Andalus – the Muslim-ruled territories of the Iberian Peninsula between the 8th and 15th centuries, renowned for their rich blend of Arab, Berber and Iberian cultures.

Visitors can step back in time and enjoy traditional crafts, Andalucian cuisine, live music and dance performances in a vibrant, family-friendly setting.

The market will run daily from 11.30am to 10.30pm across Plaza de la Sort, Calle Almacenes and Calle Mar de Moraira.

New for this year is a candlelit performance on Friday 19 June featuring a viola de roda and percussion ensemble performing six pieces of Andalucian music on Calle del Mar.

The Olive Press has sat down with Veronica Martinez, Councillor for Culture at Teulada Moraira Town Council, for an exclusive sneak peek at what the Mercat has in store for festivalgoers this year.

Could you tell us a bit more about the history of the event? What is it all about? What new activities will be on offer for visitors this year?

The Mercat Andalusi forms part of the programme for the Moors and Christians festivities in Moraira, with the aim of recreating the historical and cultural atmosphere of al-Andalus and introducing local residents and visitors to a fundamental part of our history.

Over the years, it has established itself as one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the festival programme.

The market offers a carefully curated themed setting with craft stalls, traditional food, live music, travelling shows and interactive activities.

For this 2026 edition, we have added a candlelit viola de roda and percussion concert (Friday at 9.45 pm), and we have also expanded the street entertainment, demonstrations of traditional crafts and family activities, aiming to create a more immersive and dynamic experience for all visitors.

In your opinion, what are the event’s highlights that might be of particular interest?

It is very difficult to single out any one aspect in particular, as the Mercat Andalusi as a whole transports us to the heart of Al-Andalus, offering a unique cultural experience which, combined with our wonderful scenery and local shops, will allow us to enjoy a few days out with family or friends.

So, we’ll be able to stroll amongst craft stalls, enjoy shows inspired by Andalucian culture, discover traditional products and take part in various workshops for all ages, offering the perfect blend of culture, leisure and gastronomy.

Could you tell us a little about the process of preparing for the event? Was it difficult to put together the programme?

We begin organising the event a few months in advance and are in contact with the company that organises it, as it requires coordination between that company, the Town Council, the artisans and traders, and the 2027 Moorish and Christian captains who provide bar services during the market.

We take last year’s feedback into account to see where we can improve, what the general public enjoyed most, and so on.

Our aim is to offer a balanced, attractive programme suited to all audiences.

Like any event of this nature, it involves significant logistical and organisational work. We have to coordinate venues, security, accessibility, the cultural programme and technical requirements.

However, the experience we have gained over previous years enables us to manage the process efficiently and continue to incorporate improvements with each edition.

Which aspects of the event are you most proud of?

As I mentioned earlier, the Mercat Andalusi as a whole offers a unique cultural and tourist experience, as it combines culture, leisure, gastronomy and history.

It is an event that has been running for over ten years; it has become a firmly established part of the Moors and Christians festival programme and has become an unmissable event both for residents of Teulada Moraira and for visitors, who return year after year and choose Teulada Moraira as their holiday destination.

It is worth noting that this event combines cultural promotion, economic revitalisation and social interaction.

Who are the main target audiences, and which age groups do you expect to attend the event? Which age groups have predominantly attended the event in previous years?

The Mercat Andalusi is designed for everyone. At Teulada Town Council, we want to offer residents and all our visitors an experience for the whole family, from the youngest to the oldest.

For this reason, the Mercat Andalusi features children’s games, workshops for all ages, demonstrations and entertainment that appeals to all audiences.

What’s more, all this blends perfectly with the fine cuisine typical of Al-Andalus.

Why does this event attract foreign visitors? What interests them most?

This event attracts both residents of Teulada and visitors. The Mercat Andalusi has become an unmissable event that allows visitors to discover a highly representative aspect of Al-Andalus history and culture in an engaging and accessible format.

Everyone who has visited the Mercat agrees that the event’s authenticity and the chance to enjoy a unique cultural experience are its main draws.

Are there any facilities or services available for children and people with physical disabilities?

The market features activities specifically aimed at children, including workshops, games and family shows. It has a children’s area on Calle Mar, with a giant chess set, a draughts board, various board games, themed photo opportunities, archery and trampolines.

Do you have anything else to add?

To conclude, I would like to invite all the residents of Teulada Moraira and visitors to take an active part in the Mercat Andalusi and enjoy this experience.

It will be officially opened next Friday, 19 June, at 7 pm, starting from the Plaza de la Sort. I would also like to thank the 2027 Moorish and Christian Captaincies for their participation.

Programme:

Friday 19 June:

7.00 pm to 7.30 pm – Opening ceremony in the Plaza de la Sort and a tour of the market featuring music, dancers, stilt walkers, a fakir on a carpet, and Moorish and Christian knights.

From 7.00 pm to 9.00 pm – Tradespeople and artisans will demonstrate their skills in pottery, woodcarving and Arabic perfumery, clay modelling, leatherwork and wirework, amongst others. In addition, attendees will be able to sample tea and traditional sweets.

7.30 pm – Moorish exhibition with a guided tour. On Calle del Mar.

From 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Workshop on clay modelling, wicker basket weaving and beadwork on Calle del Mar. (Free for all ages).

From 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Free wooden games area with traditional and skill-based games comprising 12 games (on Calle Almacenes, next to the tea room).

From 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Giant chess and board games. (Free for all ages).

From 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Children’s area with archery, themed mini-golf and trampolines. (3 activities cost €5).

From 7.00 pm to 10.00 pm – Themed photo opportunities on Calle del Mar.

9.30 pm and 10.30 pm – Duel between the Moorish and Christian Knights in Plaza de la Sort.

9.45 pm – Live music featuring a viola de roda, accompanied by percussion, performing six pieces of Andalusian music by candlelight. (On Calle del Mar).

10.00 pm – Grand Fakir on a magic carpet with musicians and dancers, starting from Plaza de la Sort and proceeding through the market.

10.15 pm – Berber fire show in the Plaza de la Sort.

10.45 pm – Musicians and dancers in the Plaza de la Sort.

11.30 pm – Procession marking the closing of the market led by the Knights, accompanied by dancers and set to music.

Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 June:

11.30 am – The market opens with knights, stilt walkers, a giant fakir on a carpet and much more from Plaza de la Sort, where visitors can enjoy a varied food court. In addition, Calle Almacenes and Calle del Mar will feature festive decorations and themed photo opportunities.

From 11.30 am to 1.30 pm – Tradespeople and artisans will demonstrate their skills in pottery, woodcarving and Arabic perfumery, clay modelling, leatherwork and wirework, amongst others. Visitors will also be able to sample tea and traditional sweets, whilst other artisans and traders will be offering their finest wares.

From 11.30 am to 10.00 pm – Free wooden play area with traditional games.

From 11.30 am to 10.00 pm – Giant chess and other board games. (Free for all ages).

From 11.30 am to 10.00 pm – Children’s area with archery, themed mini-golf and trampolines. (3 activities cost €5).

From 11.30 am to 10.00 pm – Themed photo opportunities on Calle del Mar.

From 12:00 to 14:00 – Hands-on workshop on Calle del Mar (Free for all ages).

From 12:00 to 12:45 – School for young squires and children’s archery on Calle del Mar.

13:00 – Moorish exhibition with guided tour on Calle del Mar.

1.00 pm – Puppet show for the little ones in the children’s area.

1.30 pm – Parade featuring the juggler Al-Azar and the Great Moor on stilts and juggling. Starting from Plaza de la Sort, depicting a duel between the Moorish and Christian knights.

5.00 pm – Duel between the Moorish and Christian knights in Plaza de la Sort.

5.10 pm – Music and dance to liven up the market. Starting from Plaza de la Sort.

From 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm – Hands-on workshop on Calle del Mar (Free for all ages).

5.30 pm – Duel between the Knights in Plaza de la Sort.

From 5.00 pm to 7.00 pm – Workshop on clay modelling, wicker basket weaving and beadwork on Calle del Mar. (Free for all ages).

6.00 pm – Free workshop on making and tasting Moorish tea. At the tea room on Calle Almacenes.

6.00 pm – Percussion and dance workshop on Calle del Mar.

6.00 pm – Puppet show for the little ones in the children’s area.

From 6.00 pm to 6.35 pm – School for young squires in the children’s area.

From 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm – Tradespeople and artisans will demonstrate their skills in pottery, woodcarving and Arabic perfumery, clay modelling, leatherwork and wirework, amongst others. Attendees will also be able to sample tea and traditional sweets.

6.30 pm – Baraka with Stilt Walkers and Wings. The snake charmer on stilts will demonstrate his skills in the Plaza de la Sort and take a tour around the market.

7.30 pm – Duel between Moorish and Christian Knights in the Plaza de la Sort.

7.40 pm – Arabic music and dance. Starting in the Plaza de la Sort.

8.00 pm – Moorish exhibition with guided commentary on Calle del Mar.

8.00 pm – Puppet show for the little ones in the children’s area.

8.30 pm – The great fakir will demonstrate his skills on a carpet in the Plaza de la Sort.

9.00 pm – Duel between Moorish and Christian knights in the Plaza de la Sort.

9.10 pm – Arabic music and dance. Starting in Plaza de la Sort.

10.00 pm – Duel between Moorish and Christian knights in Plaza de la Sort.

10.05 pm – Arabic music and dance. Starting in Plaza de la Sort.

10.15 pm – Berber fire show in the Plaza de la Sort.

10.30 pm – Aladdin fire show on Calle del Mar.

10.45 pm – Music and dancers in the Plaza de la Sort and a procession through the market.

10.30 pm – Closing of the Market with a final duel from the Plaza de la Sort.

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