The parties de Moors and Christians Xàbia They will open a new chapter in 2026. For the first time since the figure of standard-bearer —almost 30 years— the position will be held by a man. One of the key figures in this change is José Antonio Buigues, of the filà Trabuquers (Christian side), who takes up the position with "great enthusiasm" and the feeling of experiencing something that for years was talked about almost as a joke within his own filà.
The other protagonist is Aroa Sánchez, the standard-bearer of the Filà Touaregs, who will hold the position as the first standard-bearer of her filà and the first standard-bearer to share the position with a man.
"I have the same enthusiasm as always, but now from the position of authority."
Buigues explains that his way of feeling about the festival doesn't change, although he acknowledges that his perspective does. "I have the same enthusiasm as before, as every year when I go out, but I am aware that now it is from the perspective of a festival official."For him, being the first standard-bearer doesn't come from a demand, but from a natural place: "It's been like a joke come true."He comments, recalling that it was a common remark in Trabuquers until, finally, the change has materialized.
Far from generating controversy, the positive response it has received on the street stands out: "the public has received it as something good, I've noticed it in every message of support, encouragement and congratulations»For José, this step is not an end point, but a way to boost the celebration: a gesture to "make it bigger, more vibrant and closer."
The parade, the most exciting event… now from the float
When asked about the moments that have marked him the most, the Christian standard-bearer does not hesitate: the parade"It's about showcasing the festival on a grand scale." Although he says he enjoys all the events, he believes this year will be especially memorable: "The parade will be one of the most intense moments, but with a distinct difference." from atop the carriage".
Aroa Sánchez, Moorish standard-bearer: enthusiasm and an "innovative" year
On the crescent side, the standard-bearer for 2026 will be Aroa Sánchez, of the filà TuaregShe assumes the position with enthusiasm and desire in a year that he describes as "innovative" and that marks the beginning of a new stage in the festivities.
Aroa says that since she was little she looked up to the figure of the standard-bearer, hoping to one day be one herself. And that moment has arrived. In 2026 she will represent her filà and the Moorish side with a clear goal: "enjoy the whole year" and live each event with intensity, because in the end each act will be the last one experienced as standard-bearer."
Two milestones: first female flag bearer for the Tuareg people and the first to accompany a flag bearer
The Mora representative also adds two milestones to her appointment: she will be the first flag bearer to accompany a flag bearer in Xàbia and, at the same time, the first flag bearer of the filà Tuareg, a detail that adds a special emotional weight for her.
Regarding the events, he assures that they all have something unique, but he senses that this year the parade, the landing and reconquista They will be experienced "very differently", precisely because of the symbolic nature of 2026 and because of the role that both positions play in the public representation of the festival.
A more open Mig Any: the party takes to the streets
That spirit of growth is also reflected in another new development: the celebration of Mig Any with a more open format and connected with the municipality. As Buigues explains, the goal is for the festival not to be experienced privately among the festival participants and groups, "but rather to project itself outwards and gain a presence in the streets, bringing together residents and visitors."
This year, residents, families, and visitors will be able to experience the official appointment of the flag bearers in a special way. It will take place this Friday evening, with the start of the Mig Any, when José Antonio Buigues and Aroa Sánchez are officially proclaimed as flag bearers for 2026.
In that context, Aroa wanted to thank the Board Festes "the work"The effort and dedication" to drive the changes facing the festival and open a stage that, in Xàbia, is already being heralded as historic.
