December 31 New Year’s party in the centre of Lorca
Ring in 2025 in the Plaza de España in Lorca!
The Town Hall of Lorca is bringing back the traditional New Year’s party in the Plaza de España this year, offering live music from Los Ratones and the Kacike orchestra, numerous food trucks, outdoor heaters and of course the obligatory 12 grapes be eaten as the bell in the tower of the church of San Patricio strikes midnight.
The “Tardevieja” party begins at 18.00 with music by Los Ratones, and the idea is for locals and visitors to step out into the Plaza de España, Plaza Calderón de la Barca, Calle Real, Plaza San Vicente, Plaza Arcoíris and Joaquín Castellar to enjoy the early evening before the festivities begin in earnest.
At 21.00 it’s the turn of the Orquesta Kacike, and after the grapes at midnight (donated by Frutas Sabió) the entertainment continues until 1.30 in the morning. The food trucks are offering hamburgers, Argentinian “empanadillas” and various other specialities, making this a perfect way to avoid the chore of cooking at home or paying through the nose for a formal dinner at a local hotel or hostelry!
For more local information, including news and what’s on, go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today