Festival of Moors and Christians
16 and 17 May 2020
With its Festival of Moors and Christians the city has proudly revived a lost tradition originally dating back to the 12th century.
This festive weekend begins on the Plaça Paeria with the Embassies, the parleys of the Moorish and Christian ambassadors prior to the battle which will take place on Sunday, the high point of the festival. On Sunday morning the so-called arrival of the children is staged, while the bands appear at midday, performing the traditional music associated with Lleida's festival. In the afternoon the groups of Moors and Christians assemble at the Old Cathedral, before parading in their colourful outfits through the streets of the city centre. Before nightfall the satirical parleys begin, a verbal dispute followed by a spectacular battle, with the Old Cathedral providing a unique backcloth.
In September the festers also recreate the ceremony and the Banquet of the Royal Wedding of Ramon Berenguer IV and Peronella, in the Old Cathedral.