Purchena has brought the essence of its unique Moorish Games to the heart of Granada, presenting the XXIII edition of this celebration that commemorates the games organized by Abén Humeya in 1569. The event, which involved over 200 residents from Purchena, aims to bring a unique cultural, sporting, and historical manifestation in Andalusia closer to the public.
During the presentation at the Corral del Carbón, the mayor of Purchena, José Luis Serrano; the Deputy of Tourism, María José Herrada; the Territorial Delegate for Social Inclusion, Francisco González Bellido, and the General Director of the Patronato de la Alhambra y Generalife, Rodrigo Ruiz-Jiménez Carrera, detailed the event, emphasizing the historical and cultural ties between Granada and Purchena.
The presentation transformed the Corral del Carbón into a 16th-century stage, recreating the atmosphere of the games with music, dance, theater, and traditional sports. The troops from Purchena, led by Abén Humeya, offered a glimpse of the celebration that each summer turns the Almería municipality into a journey to the past.
Mayor José Luis Serrano expressed his gratitude for the reception in Granada, highlighting the pride of the people of Purchena in games that are part of their identity and project the municipality as a meeting point for heritage, culture, sport, and coexistence. He also thanked the involvement of residents, associations, and volunteers who make the tradition possible.
María José Herrada emphasized that the Moorish Games are "living history" and an authentic expression of the province's identity, which for three days transports the streets of Purchena to the 16th century through various activities.
The territorial delegate, Francisco González Bellido, noted that the games represent how Andalusia turns its history into an opportunity for the future, uniting heritage, sport, culture, and local development, and reaffirmed the Junta de Andalucía's support for initiatives that preserve roots.
The presentation included performances by the Asociación Musical Virgen del Carmen, multi-instrumentalist Chakib Stambouli, and the Grupo de Danza Morisca y Árabe Lubna. A video of the new edition was shown, and demonstrations of emblematic events such as the lifting of the Burxana marble stone and brick holding were held.
The XXIII edition of the Moorish Games will take place in Purchena from July 30 to August 1, transforming the municipality with traditional competitions such as Moorish wrestling, stone lifting, archery, sprint races, the Half League Gruesa, as well as theatrical reenactments, singing and dance contests, and an artisan and gastronomic market.
