Aínsa goes back to medieval times for its traditional performance of La Morisma

Legend has it that 1,300 years ago a cross of fire on a holm oak inspired the Christian fighters, led by King Garcí Ximénez, to defeat a Saracen army in Aínsa. A story that gave rise to the origins of the kingdom of Aragon and led to the reconquest of Aínsa in 724. So many days and nights later, this feat is remembered in the town with the traditional theatrical performance of La Morisma, which this year celebrates its 400th anniversary. It will be on Saturday 31st August at 10.30pm when the streets of Aínsa will go back in time to medieval times to recreate the famous battle in the Plaza Mayor.

A large group of residents of Aínsa dressed in period costumes have once again filled the Aljafería Palace in Zaragoza with colour and festive excitement , where La Morisma has performed. The president of the cultural association La Morisma, Isabel Bergua, as well as the mayor, Enrique Pueyo, and the councillor for festivities, Luis Lascorz, have been received by the president of the Cortes, Marta Fernández, to present an edition that is expected to be very special as it marks the 1,300th anniversary of the legendary battle fought in the Medieval Town.

“La Morisma is a town and a family, and, in some cases, it is an inheritance … Parents who pass on their role to their children and entire families who participate in the performance,” said Luis Lascorz, who represents the Moorish king. He wanted to praise the emotion that is experienced in the town with the preparations for the performance: “You grow up seeing how every two years, there is a moment in the summer when people only talk, ask questions and remember that in a few days the performance will take place. In my case, for example, I stop being Luis to become, for a few days, the Moorish King .”

This year, more than 500 people take part in the performance of the roles of kings, ambassadors, narrators, shepherds, devils, sins, warriors from both sides, the praise, the devil and more current roles such as women’s sayings. This year, there are numerous changes in such prominent roles as the Moorish and Christian queens, taken on by two young people from the town, Martina Santos and Elena Buetas. Also making his debut is a very young Miguel Rubio, from Casa Serena, in the role of Lazarillo, who has given a preview of his song in the Cortes.

With just a few days to go before the event, the Cultural Association and the city council are pleased with the number of tickets sold, which have practically sold out online. Only unnumbered seats will be sold at the box office from Thursday 29 August to Saturday 31 August. The capacity is close to 1,000 people, and it is expected that the atmosphere, completely recreated in medieval times, with exhibitions, a market and workshops throughout the weekend, will be boosted by tourism in the final stretch of summer.