July 27 and 28 International Petanca tournament in Lorca
The Open Ciudad del Sol has attracted over 500 entries to the Huerto de la Rueda venue in Lorca from Europe and Africa
Many of us enjoy a game of petanca as we while away the lazy hours of the afternoon, treating the game is a gently competitive test of skill, tactical awareness and (for most of us) luck, but this event in Lorca in late July takes the sport to an entirely different level.
The third “Ciudad del Sol” tournament at the Huerto de la Rueda has attracted 500 entries not only from Spain but also from a range of European and African countries, including France, Germany, Morocco and Luxembourg, and will even be televised on the La Liga + platform. In total there are 192 men’s pairs, 46 women’s pairs and 32 youth pairs taking part, and as many as 140 pistes are going to be in use. Among the stars are the current French champion Frédéric Cazes and Tanguy Penin, another French national with a wide following as an “influencer” on social networks.
The action on Saturday runs from 8.15 to 14.30 and then from 16.00 to 22.00, while on Sunday the final stages start at 9.00 and will last until approximately 14.00. Numerous spectators are expected and there will be stalls selling petanca equipment as well as refreshments on both days.
For more local events, news and visiting information 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