The Moros i Cristians festival in late August is Ontinyent's defining event — and one of the most elaborate in the Valencia region, which has dozens of these celebrations. The four-day festival re-enacts the medieval battles between Christian and Moorish forces through elaborate parades, mock battles, and the ceremonial exchange of the castle between the two sides. Around 3,500 participants take part in costumes that represent years of craft work and significant expense.
The spectacle peaks with the parade of the companies at night, when the embroidered costumes, torchlight, and music from the competing bands create an atmosphere that is genuinely spectacular rather than merely folkloric. Ontinyent takes its Moros i Cristians seriously even by Valencian standards. The Museu de la Festa, in the town centre, explains the history and displays costumes from past years.