October 23 to 25 Historical reenactments and remembrance of the Moors expelled from Ojos

The Ricote valley commemorates the unjust expulsion of the Moors from the area in 1613

On 19th October 1613 King Felipe III of Spain gave the unjust order that all remaining people of Moorish origin, even if they had converted to the Catholic faith, be expelled from the Ricote valley and Ojós. Ever since the first expulsion of the Moors and the Jews from the kingdom in 1492, this area had been known as an enclave in which Moorish culture and traditions survived, and the move caused great distress and hardship in the area as residents were forced to leave behind their lives and, in some cases, their families.

In economic terms they were sorely missed, as the Ricote valley had become a prosperous community during their residence, and in recent years this annual event has been held to honour their legacy to the area.

This year’s programme includes the following:

Friday October 23

20.00: A dramatized reenactment of the expulsion, performed by the San Bartolomé theatre Group from Cieza, residents of Ojós and the Asociación de Mujeres Estelares and directed by Antonio Salmerón Marín.

Saturday October 24

10.00 to 19.00: A history conference on the expelled Moors, “Ojós y el Valle de Ricote: tradición e historia en el Mediterráneo”, at the Centro Cultural “Tomas López de Poveda (Avenida Rio, Ojós).

10.30 to 19.00: A long day of historical reenactments as the Moorish encampment opens to the public. The day includes demonstrations of firearms from the time, period costumes from the “Siglo de Oro” and traditional craftsmen and trades such as quarrying and shoemaking. There are also military parades and medieval dancing.

In addition, dramatic works by Lope de Vega (1562-1635) will be performed.

Sunday October 25

11.00: Holy Mass in the parish church of San Agustín to commemorate those expelled.

11.30: Flowers are laid in the square outside the church.

11.45: A procession and offering on the path to the Jardín de los Expulsos.

12.00: An official ceremony to commemorate those expelled from the Villa de Oxox.

13.00: The official Expulsion Order is read out and the names of those expelled is recited, following which a light lunch is served.

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.