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2026 marks the 800th anniversary of Francis of Assisi, known in Spain as San Francisco de Asis, and as part of the Holy Jubilee celebrations announced by the Vatican the church of Las Clarisas in Lorca has been named as a destination for pilgrims until 10th January 2027.
The convent of Santa Ana and Santa María Magdalena on the eastern edge of the city of Lorca (click for map), generally known as “Las Clarisas”, is not generally on the route of tourists to the “City of the Sun”, but pilgrims making their way there this year can obtain a plenary indulgence from the Vatican, similar to the ones awarded in Caravaca de la Cruz during the Jubilee celebrations which are held every seven years.
On Sunday 19th April the Jubilee Year is to be officially declared open with a Mass accompanied by the choir of Santa Clara de Asís and the convent will become a reference point for pilgrims throughout the rest of the year. The Abbess of the Monasterio de Clarisas, Mother María Jesús, has stated that the intention is not for the celebrations to be closed off from the world outside the convent walls, but to welcome visitors and to extend dialogue, faith and brotherly friendship.
This Jubilee year has been given to all the Franciscan Orders of the Catholic church by Pope Leo XIV, and Lorca has a long history of association with the Franciscans, as witnessed by the four convents founded in the city (those of San Francisco at the Puerta de Nogalte, the Virgen de las Huertas, San Diego and Santa Ana y Santa María Magdalena). This last one was originally located in Calle Nogalte, Lope Gisbert and Corredera before moving to its current iste on Avenida de Santa Clara.
Over the course of the next nine months a series of religious celebrations, exhibitions, guided visits, concerts and presentations are scheduled as pilgrims are given the chance to claim their indulgences by visiting the designated Franciscan churches, basilicas and sanctuaries.
The first events to be confirmed are concerts included in a season entitled “El Juglar de Dios. Música y espiritualidad en los 800 años de la muerte de San Francisco de Asís’”, including one one on Friday 22nd May by the Choir of San Andrés y Santa María de la Arrixaca, con un concierto contemplativo. Next on the programme is soprano Sara García in September, followed by an organ concert by Jaime Martínez Vivancos in October and a piano recital by Ramón Muñoz Gonzálvez.
Details of the guided Jubilee visits in Lorca have not yet been confirmed but they will be led by the city’s officer chronicler, Manuel Muñoz Clares.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt 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 along difficult tracks or by boat!
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 processions 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 historic castle.
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
