ARCHIVED - 16th March, Artisan market in Calasparra sanctuary of La Esperanza

Mercado Artesanal “La Esperanza, Calasparra, North-west Murcia

Calasparra is holding an artisan market in the grounds of the Santuario de la Esperanza on Sunday 16th March. The market is dedicated to the art of esparto weaving and as well as a range of artisan stalls selling all manner of hand made goods, local weavers will be demonstrating the variety of goods which can be made by hand, as well as teaching basic techniques to those with an interest in having a go.

As well as the artisan stalls, a bouncy castle will be on hand to entertain the youngsters, at midday there’s a guided visit to the sanctuatry and museum ( in Spanish)and at 12 midday the Rondalla de Calasparra will be performing traditional Murcian music.

At 1pm Holy Mass will be celebrated inside the sanctuary and following this the Camarín de la Virgen, where the figure of the Virgen de la Esperanza is stored all year, will be opened to enable the faithful to pass by the figure directly.

The sanctuary can be visited during the morning before mass.
If you’ve never been to the sanctuary, put a picnic in the boot and go along, it’s a charming place. By the riversde are many family picnic and BBQ areas for public use, although there is a restaurant on site for those who would rather be catered for. From here there’s a lovely riverside walk which can be followed at leisure.

Click for more information, map and directions, Sanctuary de la Esperanza, Calasparra