Alcoyanos

Alcoyanos are residents of Alcoy (in Valencian, Alcoi), a city in the inland part of the province of Alicante, within the Valencian Community of Spain. The demonym in Spanish is alcoyano for a man and alcoyana for a woman; the plural form is alcoyanos or alcoyanas. The term is used to describe people from the city and its surrounding area.

Geography and history: Alcoy lies in a mountainous valley in the interior of Alicante. The city developed rapidly during the 19th and early 20th centuries, becoming one of Spain’s early industrial centers with a strong emphasis on textiles and metalworking. This industrial growth shaped its urban development and social fabric, leaving a legacy of distinctive architecture and urban planning.

Culture and heritage: Alcoy is noted for its modernist architectural heritage, with several notable buildings from the industrial era. The city hosts the Fira Modernista de Alcoy, a festival that celebrates its Modernisme-era architecture and culture. It is also renowned for the Moros i Cristians de Alcoy, one of Spain’s oldest and most famous Moors and Christians celebrations, featuring elaborate parades and historical re-enactments that attract visitors from across the region.

Economy and contemporary life: Today Alcoy has a diversified economy that blends manufacturing with services and commerce. While traditional industries remain part of the local economy, the city functions as a regional commercial and educational hub for the surrounding area.

Sports and demographics: The city has a population on the order of tens of thousands, commonly cited around 60,000 inhabitants. The local football club, CD Alcoyano, has competed in the Spanish football league system and remains part of the city’s contemporary identity.