Vila Joyosa - Clash of the Titans

5000 kilos of gunpowder

If you're in Benidorm next week then make sure you get along to the colourful fishing village of Vila Joyosa. That's when over 13,000 people will be taking part in the celebrations to mark the Christian reconquest of Spain from the Moors in 1492.

The festivities have grown in size and intensity every year since they were declared to be of International Tourist Interest and this year the statistics are more impressive than ever.

The mock battles and parades of the gorgeously clad Moors (they're a couple of shades darker) and Christians will be augmented by 1100 flaming torches, 161,330 light bulbs, 640,000 watts of illumination, 60,000 watts of sound and 5000 kilos of gunpowder for the spectacular fireworks and music displays at night.

It all sounds fantastic and most people are predicting yet another win for the Christians this year.

22 July 2005 Stephen White.