Festivals in Villajoyosa
Local festivals in Villajoyosa
The Moors and Christians festival in honour of Santa Marta is Villajoyosa's principal celebration and holds International Tourist Interest status. The Desembarco on the beach recreates the corsair attack of 1538 and the protection attributed to the patron.
Usual celebration
The festival is usually celebrated from 24 to 31 July, an eight-day period. Associació Santa Marta, Moorish and Christian companies, bands and residents participate in the band entrance, parades, smuggling scenes, embassies, the Desembarco at dawn on the 28th, Mass, procession, fireworks, paella gathering and float parade through the centre and seafront.
Local public holidays in 2026
The official 2026 calendar designates Wednesday 29 July, Santa Marta, and Tuesday 29 September, San Miguel, as Villajoyosa's local public holidays.
Other cultural events
The San Miguel festival takes place on the weekend nearest 29 September in the Ermita district, with young-bull events, decorated tables, paellas, correfocs, concerts and a procession. Virgen del Carmen, the Llàgrimes festival and Carta Pobla complete the cultural calendar.