Date Published: 21/02/2024
Lorca presents 2024 Semana Santa poster
Horsemanship and spectacular embroidery encapsulate the essence of Semana Santa in Lorca
With Easter falling relatively early this year and Carnival having already signalled the start of Lent, preparations are well under way throughout Spain for the pomp and ceremony of the annual Semana Santa processions, and nowhere more so than in the city of Lorca.
The processions in Lorca are among the most spectacular in the whole country, leaning towards extravagant showmanship and daredevil horsemanship rather than solemn acts of penitence, and are so popular among visitors that they have been awarded International Tourist Interest status. The rivalry between “Whites” and “Blues” in the city is deeply felt by locals, and it is therefore with great anticipation that the design of the official poster of the celebrations is eagerly awaited every year.
In 2024, it was announced this week, the design chosen is ''Arte y fuerza'' by the photographer María José Ruiz, with images inspired by the horses and wonderful embroidery which are among the defining characteristics of Semana Santa in Lorca, constituting the essence of the Biblical parades. This poster acts as an ambassador for the event both nationally and internationally, capturing the “majesty and unique essence” of Semana Santa in Lorca, according to Councillor Santiago Parra.
Details of the full Semana Santa program will be made available on Lorca Today during the month of March.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
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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
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Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268