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The annual La Huertana fair in Lorca, which takes place in the centre of the old city and is a celebration of traditional country traditions in an area sometimes known as “the market garden of Europe”, is taking place this year over the weekend of 7th to 9th November in the Plaza de España.
Not everything scheduled is traditional, though, and alongside the arts and crafts, the food and the music and dancing are DJ sessions to ensure the atmosphere never dies down. In addition, show cooking events are plant and the “Gastro Fest” is a well-established event which attracts producers, chefs and gastronomes from far and wide.
This year there is even an element of sport included, with CrossFit Huertano at 11.00 on Saturday 8th November!
The programme for the weekend includes the following:
Friday November 7
19.00: Performance by Coros y Danzas Lorca and a ceramics workshop.
20.00: Opening of the “barraca” with chef Vanessa from Restaurante Cañarejo.
20.15: Live music from Trepacerros, followed by Vertigo at 21.30 and DJ music from Koni Deejay until 3.00 in the morning.
Saturday November 8
11.00: Crossfit Huertano.
12.00: Esparto grass weaving workshop and artisan jewellery.
13.00: Performance by Coros y Danzas Lorca and the opening of the “barraca” with chef Braulio of La Alacena.
14.00: Time for a snack, on this occasion Calasparra rice, locally sourced vegetables and chato murciano pork. This coincides with a fortnight celebrating these unique ingredients in the city, with restaurants offering their own dishes celebrating the finest in Murcia produce.
15.30: The music begins with Charanga Txarangollo, followed by La Espartera at 17.00.
21.00: Show cooking from chefs Germán Segura of Restaurante La Cepa & Raúl Martínez Azor of Salones Eventia.
21.30: Live music from Rata followed by DJ music from PedroFeder until 3.00 in the morning.
Sunday November 9
11.00: Traditional Cuadrillas folk dancing groups from La Hoya and Purias, along with the Auroros.
12.00: Embroidery workshop.
13.00: Opening of the “barraca” with chef Sergio Jordan of Restaurante KODAI.
14.00: Lunchtime, and once again it’s Calasparra rice, locally sourced vegetables and chato murciano pork.
16.00: AWAKATE DJ SET followed by ACHOLIVE until 22.00.
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. Among 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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 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 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
