01 - HOLY WEEK
In Murcia, the Holy Week typically conjures up images of light, diversity, passion and colour. Although it is celebrated differently in every city, there are only three which have been declared of International Touristic Interest: Cartagena, with its organized parades of the Californio and Marrajo brotherhoods, Lorca with its large theatrical productions and Pasos spectacular (street processions retelling the Passion of Christ), and Murcia with the beauty of its Salzillo sculptures and local produce. These are the most popular locations for the regions' celebrations.
02 - CABALLOS DEL VINO FESTIVAL
Caballos del Vino is one of the most outstanding, yet deafening festivals in Spain. The sound of the horses galloping, the beauty of the embroidered cloaks, the music, and the thousands of people dressed in white and red, transform the city every 2nd of May. The race is considered the most important event within the Fiestas de la Vera Cruz de Caravaca, which also include Moorish and Christian celebrations. If you want to blend in like a true local, don't forget to wear a red handkerchief around your neck.
03 - SPRING FESTIVAL
Murcia welcomes in the spring by hosting a variety of festivals and parties. The most important days, which have been declared of National Touristic Interest, are undoubtedly Bando de la Huerta which takes place on the Tuesday, and Entierro de la Sardina, on the Saturday. During Bando de la Huerta locals and visitors alike dress up in typical huertano costumes, (those historically associated with agricultural workers), and flock to the streets to make the most of the parties; the day culminates in a great traditional parade. The Entierro de la Sardina Festival sees dozens of floats filter through the streets distributing thousands of toys to all the children. A spectacular parade leads the floats, filling the streets with the magic of the Carnival and all of the incredible colourful outfits.
04 - LA MAR DE MÚSICAS FESTIVAL
La Mar de Músicas Festival kick starts in Cartagena during July, featuring artists from every corner of the planet. Throughout more than two weeks the city celebrates the individuality of other cultures through their music, choosing a different guest country every year. The festivals' stages are strategically placed throughout the city, so you can not only enjoy the performances and culture, but do so with the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
05 - WARM FESTIVAL
In May, Murcia hosts WARM, considered one of the most popular festivals among young people in Spain. The show offers 48 hours of non-stop music and contemporary art, turning the La Fica showground each year into a multi-use space ready for some of the biggest acts to perform.
06 - JAZZ FESTIVAL
The International Jazz Festival, which takes place in San Javier each July, is considered to be one of the best jazz festivals in Spain. With performances from some of the biggest stars in the jazz world, concerts are held throughout the entire month. What better way to enjoy your summer than by experiencing the best music, live and in open air, just minutes away from the sea?
07 - CANTE DE LAS MINAS FESTIVAL
Every August the town of La Unión hosts one of the most important flamenco competitions in the world. Here, the most renowned dancers alternate their performances with those competing for the Lámpara Minera singing award, which descends upon the modernist setting of the Antiguo Mercado Público (Old Public Market) and the Agrupa Vicenta mine. It is a truly magical space to enjoy the show, as much for experts in the field, as for amateurs alike.
08 - CARTHAGINIANS AND ROMANS FESTIVAL
As if it were the set from a blockbuster movie, the Carthaginian and Roman Festival transforms this port city during the month of September into a spectacular scene from the Segunda Guerra Púnica. Throughout the year thousands of revellers plan the festival carefully, which consists of ship landings,
09 - ÁGUILAS CARNIVAL
If you love to party, fireworks, fantasy, and fancy dress you cannot miss the Águilas Carnival. Experience some of the craziest days of your life at one of the most spectacular carnivals in Spain. The festival, declared of National Touristic Interest, invades the streets of the small town with fantasy, music, dance and quirky costumes for two weeks. It is particularly well known for the battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, as well as the Cuerva (traditional fruit and alcohol based drink) contest. However, equally as special is its street procession; a seemingly never ending selection of groups take part in their colourful and spectacular carnival costumes.
10 - LA PURÍSIMA DE YECLA FESTIVAL
La Purísima de Yecla Festival recreates an atmosphere that will transport you back to times of the 17th Century military shows. A deafening display of arquebus and drums announce the arrival of one hundred tiraores (shooters), kitted out in dress coats and bicornio (an archaic form of hat widely adopted in the 1790s by military and naval officers). This celebration, declared of National Touristic Interest, is steeped in more than 350 years of history and takes place every December in honour of the Virgen Del Castillo and appreciation for the safe return of all the people of Yecla who went to fight in the War of Succession.
01 - HOLY WEEK
In Murcia, the Holy Week typically conjures up images of light, diversity, passion and colour. Although it is celebrated differently in every city, there are only three which have been declared of International Touristic Interest: Cartagena, with its organized parades of the Californio and Marrajo brotherhoods, Lorca with its large theatrical productions and Pasos spectacular (street processions retelling the Passion of Christ), and Murcia with the beauty of its Salzillo sculptures and local produce. These are the most popular locations for the regions' celebrations.
02 - CABALLOS DEL VINO FESTIVAL
Caballos del Vino is one of the most outstanding, yet deafening festivals in Spain. The sound of the horses galloping, the beauty of the embroidered cloaks, the music, and the thousands of people dressed in white and red, transform the city every 2nd of May. The race is considered the most important event within the Fiestas de la Vera Cruz de Caravaca, which also include Moorish and Christian celebrations. If you want to blend in like a true local, don't forget to wear a red handkerchief around your neck.
03 - SPRING FESTIVAL
Murcia welcomes in the spring by hosting a variety of festivals and parties. The most important days, which have been declared of National Touristic Interest, are undoubtedly Bando de la Huerta which takes place on the Tuesday, and Entierro de la Sardina, on the Saturday. During Bando de la Huerta locals and visitors alike dress up in typical huertano costumes, (those historically associated with agricultural workers), and flock to the streets to make the most of the parties; the day culminates in a great traditional parade. The Entierro de la Sardina Festival sees dozens of floats filter through the streets distributing thousands of toys to all the children. A spectacular parade leads the floats, filling the streets with the magic of the Carnival and all of the incredible colourful outfits.
04 - LA MAR DE MÚSICAS FESTIVAL
La Mar de Músicas Festival kick starts in Cartagena during July, featuring artists from every corner of the planet. Throughout more than two weeks the city celebrates the individuality of other cultures through their music, choosing a different guest country every year. The festivals' stages are strategically placed throughout the city, so you can not only enjoy the performances and culture, but do so with the most beautiful views of the Mediterranean.
05 - WARM FESTIVAL
In May, Murcia hosts WARM, considered one of the most popular festivals among young people in Spain. The show offers 48 hours of non-stop music and contemporary art, turning the La Fica showground each year into a multi-use space ready for some of the biggest acts to perform.
06 - JAZZ FESTIVAL
The International Jazz Festival, which takes place in San Javier each July, is considered to be one of the best jazz festivals in Spain. With performances from some of the biggest stars in the jazz world, concerts are held throughout the entire month. What better way to enjoy your summer than by experiencing the best music, live and in open air, just minutes away from the sea?
07 - CANTE DE LAS MINAS FESTIVAL
Every August the town of La Unión hosts one of the most important flamenco competitions in the world. Here, the most renowned dancers alternate their performances with those competing for the Lámpara Minera singing award, which descends upon the modernist setting of the Antiguo Mercado Público (Old Public Market) and the Agrupa Vicenta mine. It is a truly magical space to enjoy the show, as much for experts in the field, as for amateurs alike.
08 - CARTHAGINIANS AND ROMANS FESTIVAL
As if it were the set from a blockbuster movie, the Carthaginian and Roman Festival transforms this port city during the month of September into a spectacular scene from the Segunda Guerra Púnica. Throughout the year thousands of revellers plan the festival carefully, which consists of ship landings,
09 - ÁGUILAS CARNIVAL
If you love to party, fireworks, fantasy, and fancy dress you cannot miss the Águilas Carnival. Experience some of the craziest days of your life at one of the most spectacular carnivals in Spain. The festival, declared of National Touristic Interest, invades the streets of the small town with fantasy, music, dance and quirky costumes for two weeks. It is particularly well known for the battle between Don Carnal and Doña Cuaresma, as well as the Cuerva (traditional fruit and alcohol based drink) contest. However, equally as special is its street procession; a seemingly never ending selection of groups take part in their colourful and spectacular carnival costumes.
10 - LA PURÍSIMA DE YECLA FESTIVAL
La Purísima de Yecla Festival recreates an atmosphere that will transport you back to times of the 17th Century military shows. A deafening display of arquebus and drums announce the arrival of one hundred tiraores (shooters), kitted out in dress coats and bicornio (an archaic form of hat widely adopted in the 1790s by military and naval officers). This celebration, declared of National Touristic Interest, is steeped in more than 350 years of history and takes place every December in honour of the Virgen Del Castillo and appreciation for the safe return of all the people of Yecla who went to fight in the War of Succession.
