July 20 Free Burrock rock music event in Perin in the countryside of Cartagena

Rock music replaces a donkey climbing the church tower as the local fiestas of Perín evolve over the centuries

For many years, the annual summer fiestas in the western Cartagena village of Perín included a celebration of an event which supposedly occurred around 250 years ago, when locals forced a donkey to climb to the top of the church tower to eat some grass which was growing there and causing a threat to the stability of the structure.

In more modern times the custom altered so that instead of hauling an actual donkey up the tower a papier mâché model was taken, but nowadays the tradition has all but died out.

In its place, though, and taking its named from the Spanish word “burro” (donkey), another tradition has emerged: The Burrock Fest. First held in 2018, this is a free heavy rock concert taking place during the local fiestas, and in 2024 the gates open at 18.00 on July 20 at the local football pitch.

Last year over 3,000 people attended and it is hoped that the figure will be even higher this year, with the groups on the bill including Vhäldemar, presenting their latest disc "Sanctuary of Death". 

The music begins an hour after the first arrivals are admitted and the full line-up is as follows:

19.00: Toxic Sludge
20.00: Lady Tattoo
21.00: Strike 'n Roll
22.00: Ciclón
23.15: Empire of disease
00.15: Vhaldemar.

For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.