The XXIII edition of the Abén Humeya Moorish Games has commenced in Purchena, immersing the municipality in the atmosphere of the year 1569. This event, declared of National Tourist Interest of Andalusia, aims to revive the competition that gathered the nobility of al-Andalus through tournaments, music, an artisan and gastronomic market, and various cultural and social activities.
For three intense days, Purchena celebrates its historical roots with a program that includes sports such as chess, horse ribbon racing, singing and dancing contests, Moorish wrestling, stone and weight throwing, burxana stone lifting, brick holding, archery, sling shooting, speed, and triple jump. The inaugural event was attended by authorities including the president of the Provincial Council of Almería, José Antonio García Alcaina; the delegate of the Junta in Almería, Francisco Góngora; the government sub-delegate, José María Martín, and the mayor, José Luis Serrano.
Mayor José Luis Serrano welcomed attendees, highlighting the value of coexistence and historical celebration of the games, as well as their role in revitalizing Purchena socially, economically, and touristically. He emphasized the unanimous institutional support the event receives, calling it the event that best represents Purchena and projects it outwards.
The president of the Provincial Council, José Antonio García Alcaina, pointed out the 'historical thread' connecting the games with modern Olympic sport and stressed that they are an example of historical, sporting, and cultural celebration. He also mentioned the Council's support for other projects in the municipality, such as the modernization of Avenida Almanzora and the works on the multi-purpose building and Juan María Brandés Park.
The government delegate, Francisco Góngora, explained that the Moorish Games demonstrate how Purchena cherishes its history to project it into the future, becoming a cultural, tourist, and sporting benchmark that attracts thousands of visitors. He highlighted that the event has succeeded in placing Purchena on the province's cultural map, reviving the memory of Abén Humeya and combining music, crafts, gastronomy, and coexistence.
For his part, the government sub-delegate, José María Martín, emphasized the significant showcase the event represents for Purchena and the region, consolidated through the commitment of local governments since its first edition in 1993. He noted that the games continue to grow and keep alive a legacy that is part of Almería's culture.
The program includes traditional sports such as archery, stone throwing, and sling shooting, as well as Moorish wrestling. The Artisan and Gastronomic Souk offers crafts, local products, and children's activities. Highlights include the procession and parade of Abén Humeya, historical reenactments, and final competitions, along with musical nights featuring performances by Elyah and Al tarab ensemble & Al Qantara.
On Saturday, August 1st, the program continues with the third 'Aben Humeya' chess tournament, living chess, the 'Media Legua Gruesa' race through the historic center, and competitions of stone lifting. The day will conclude with the final reenactment 'The Lament of Luna and the Moorish Ladies' and singing and dancing contests, followed by the musical nights with DUNIA HENNIA.
