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ARCHIVED - September 6 to 11, Feria Chica fiestas in Lorca in honour of the Virgen de las Huertas
An international folk festival, free concerts and the procession of the Virgen are among the highlights of these Lorca fiestas
Every September the city of Lorca holds two “ferias” or fairs, the larger of which takes place at the end of the month, although for many locals the more significant one is centred around September 8, which is the feast day of the Virgen de las Huertas (the patron of Lorca).
This year’s events at the “Feria Chica” (the little fair) take place between September 6 and 11 and are based at the church of the Virgen de las Huertas just outside the city centre and in the square outside. This square is named Plaza del Rey Sabio after Alfonso X of Castilla, who conquered Lorca from the Moors, allegedly with the help of the divine intervention of the Virgen de las Huertas, in 1244 (see map).
The program includes the following, with all events taking place in the Plaza del Rey Sabio unless otherwise stated:
Tuesday September 6
21.30: Official opening speeches followed by a concert offered by the Banda Municipal de Música in the Plaza del Rey Sabio.
Wednesday September 7
20.00: Traditional floral offering to the patron of Lorca, Santa María la Real de las Huertas.
21.30: Opening gala of the 32nd annual Virgen de las Hurertas folk music festival.
23.00: “Cucaña”, greasy pole walking contest!
00.30: Noche Joven, music from DJ Diego Cano.
Thursday September 8
9.00: Floral and musical parade featuring the Banda Municipal de Lorca.
12.00 and 19.00: Holy Mass.
20.00: The procession of the figure of the Virgen de las Huertas.
21.30: Second and final gala of the 32nd annual Virgen de las Hurertas folk music festival.
Friday September 9
19.00: Cake-making competition.
21.00: “Brisca” card game tournament.
23.00: Live concert by Siempre Así, who have been performing their rumbas and sevillanas for 30 years. Admission free of charge.
Saturday September 10
17.30: Petanca tournament.
23.00: Live music from Henry Méndez performing some of his well-known favourite songs, such as “Noche de Estrellas”, “Rayos de Sol” and “Te Fuiste”. Admission free of charge.
1.00: Noche Joven, music from DJ Iván Belmonte.
Sunday September 11
9.30 to 15.00: 8th Classic Car rally of Lorca at IFELOR.
10.00: Traditional cycle ride around the district.
17.00: “Remigio” card game tournament.
20.30: Divertilandia, a children’s musical.
22.00: Dímelo Cantando, music from singers María Gracia and Alejandro Canals.
23.30: Fireworks to mark the end of the Feria Chica of Lorca 2022.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
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, 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.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
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
See what's on in Lorca:
Contact Spanish News Today: Editorial 966 260 896 /
Office 968 018 268
