Events and fiestas ·
Comparsa or filà meal at Moors and Christians
How to organise your comparsa or filà meal for Moors and Christians: bookings, payment, marquee and bar, portions, diets and a timeline for the committee.
Moors and Christians
Catering for Moors and Christians
The comparsa (troupe) gets together before setting off and comes back hungry after the parade. We cater presentation receptions, get-together meals and a kitchen with a bar for whichever days you want to share.
From the presentation to the table at the cuartelillo
A reception with starters lets everyone say hello and chat during the presentation of the cargos (festival officials). For the get-together meal, you can choose rice dishes or plated dishes served at the table.
At the cuartelillo (the comparsa’s clubhouse), the programme rules: when the comparsa sets off, when the band comes back and who’s staying for dinner that night. We plan the meals around those moments.
A bar that keeps pace with your comparsa
We set up a kitchen and bar in your marquee for a single meal or for several days. Orders are logged by handheld device and QR code.
Your committee can check a summary of everything ordered. We agree the menu and the serving hours with those in charge.
Choose one person from your board to pass on changes in numbers. That way the kitchen works with the headcount you need each day.
Every town celebrates the fiesta in its own way
Cuartelillos are part of the Moors and Christians fiestas in Elda. In Petrer, the fiestas are held in honour of San Bonifacio.
We work from Aspe, in the Vinalopó. Share this year’s programme and your meeting place so we can coordinate the kitchen, tables and bar with the events.
Questions from Moors and Christians boards
How do you fit meals around the Entradas (grand entry parades) and the other parades?
Send us the programme and the times each group has to set off. We agree the serving times with your board, including the band’s meal if you need one.
What needs to be ready at the cuartelillo?
Tell us what cooking area there is, how we unload and what water, power and gas supplies the premises have. Add the tables and tableware available so we can work out what to bring for the service.
How do we let you know about changes in guest numbers during the fiestas?
Appoint someone from your board and share a headcount for each meal. Having all changes go through one person helps us prepare the portions and coordinate the people serving the tables.
Do you also cater for the presentation of the cargos?
Yes. We organise drinks receptions and food stations for the presentations. Tell us how long the event lasts, what the space is like and whether you want to eat standing or seated.
Can you set up a bar inside our marquee?
Yes, with a kitchen and orders logged by handheld device and QR code. We agree the days, the menu and the opening hours with those in charge of the comparsa.
What should we send so the board can review the proposal?
Have ready the dates, the town, the meals you want covered and expected numbers for each day. Include the equipment at your premises and your group’s dietary needs.
See canapés and set-ups in the presentations gallery.
For other fiesta programmes, see local fiestas or our Hogueras and barracas service.
Plan the service for my comparsa
Share the days and meals for your comparsa. We’ll send you a proposal to go through with your board.
Plan the service for my comparsaResources
Events and fiestas ·
Planning a fiesta marquee bar: stock, service and permits
Plan a fiesta marquee bar: attendance, drinks, refrigeration, restocking, payment and permits for a local association or committee.
Events and fiestas ·
Planning meals in a Hogueras barraca
Plan meals in a Hogueras barraca: daily guest counts, deliveries, cooking space, permits and coordination with the committee.
Event planning guides
Glossary terms
Alardo
The alardo is the mock battle of the Moors and Christians fiestas, in which the two sides fight it out with arquebus fire for control of the castle.
FestivalsAlférez and captain
In Moors and Christians, the captain and the alférez are the fiesta roles that lead each side; alférez comes from the old officer who carried the flag.
FestivalsComparsa
In Moors and Christians, a comparsa (filà in Alcoy) is a troupe of festeros on the Moorish or Christian side, with its own name, costume, officers and base.
FestivalsCuartelillo
In Moors and Christians, the cuartelillo (quartelet in Valencian) is the clubhouse where festeros gather at fiesta time to eat, get ready and welcome guests.
FestivalsEmbajada
In Moors and Christians, the embajada is the scene where an ambassador demands the castle’s surrender before battle – nothing to do with a real embassy.
FestivalsEscuadra (Moors and Christians)
An escuadra is a group of fiesta participants who parade as a unit within a comparsa or filà during Moors and Christians celebrations.
FestivalsRecipes
DishAlicanteCastallael Pinós
Alicante gazpachos (gaspatxos)
Alicante gazpachos are a hot stew of rabbit and chicken thickened with torta crumbs, served on unleavened torta with honey on the uncovered edges.
Total time: 120 min
SweetValencian Community
All Saints fogassa
All Saints fogassa for 12: sweet potato and aniseed dough proved until doubled, nuts and raisins on top and a 180 °C oven; the proving has no set time.
Total time: 85 min
SweetValencian Community
Arnadí pumpkin dessert
Arnadí pumpkin dessert for 6 moulds: pumpkin roasted, then drained overnight, cooked with sugar, almonds and egg yolks, then baked at 180 °C and 150 °C.
Total time: 185 min