Festivals of the
Murcia Region
Holy Week (Semana Santa)
11 APR 2025 - 20 APR 2025
In Murcia, Holy Week conjures up captivating images of light, diversity, passion and colour. Although celebrated with distinctive character in every city, three locations have been declared of International Touristic Interest: Cartagena, Lorca, and Murcia city. Each offers a unique and unforgettable perspective on this important religious celebration.
Cartagena
In Cartagena, processions tend to take place at night and in the early morning, creating a profound atmosphere that communes with the themes of pain and martyrdom. As one local saying goes, "A procession which starts in the street in broad daylight cannot be compared with another that starts in the temple when night is as deep as a wound."
To fully experience Cartagena's Holy Week:
Position yourself along the procession routes to feel the rhythm of the rich music hitting in your stomach, and witness the illuminated thrones floating over the crowd
If you could be in two places at once, choose the street to immerse yourself in the spectacle, and also find an elevated place to appreciate the winding walk of the honoured images around this millenary city
Notice the perfect synchronisation of the different processions weaving through the ancient streets
Listen for the sudden applause that erupts as the beautifully crafted sculptures pass by
The city becomes divided yet united through the friendly rivalry between two main brotherhoods:
The Marrajos (members of the Royal and Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus Nazarene)
The Californios (members of the Pontifical, Royal and Illustrious Brotherhood of Our Father Jesus in the Sorrowful Step of the Arrest and Hope of Salvation of Souls)
These brotherhoods proudly display processional statues crafted by master sculptors like Benlliure, Sánchez Lozano, Salzillo, González Moreno, Abascal, Ardil, García Mengual, and Capuz.
The celebrations begin on the Friday of Sorrows, dedicated to the city's patron saint, with a procession featuring the Virgin of Charity at the foot of the cross, heralding ten days of intense religious displays.
Lorca
Lorca's Holy Week is truly exceptional, divided into two passionate groups: Blancos (Whites) and Azules (Blues). The city transforms into a vibrant display of devotion and spectacle that has earned international recognition.
What makes Lorca's Holy Week truly exceptional:
A world divided into two passionate groups: Blancos (Whites) and Azules (Blues), creating an atmosphere of collective enthusiasm that must be experienced to be believed
Spectacular biblical and historical pageantry that combines religious devotion with theatrical representations of ancient civilisations—Assyria, Babylon, Greece, Israel—all presented with Baroque splendour and captivating imagination
Breathtaking embroidery works crafted of gold, silk, and other fine textiles that adorn banners, capes, and decorative elements—when these treasures appear, spontaneous applause erupts from the crowd
Dynamic processions featuring horseback cavalries, foot marchers, ornate carriages, and magnificent chariots that transport you through time
The highlight occurs on Good Friday with the main "carrera" (procession), when the thrones of the Virgin of Sorrows (Azules) and the Virgin of Grief (Blancos) appear before enthusiastic crowds. Each resident applauds their preferred statue, though respect for the opposing brotherhood is always maintained.
Murcia City
Holy Week in Murcia city represents a beautiful blend of artistic and spiritual elements. The tradition dates back to the late Middle Ages when brotherhoods formed during times of plague and famine, seeking solace in faith.
The most characteristic procession takes place on Good Friday morning, when the masterpieces of Francisco Salzillo—Murcia's most renowned sculptor—process through the streets. This procession has been recognised as being of International Tourist Interest and attracts thousands of visitors annually.
The celebration is a feast for all the senses:
Marvel at the elaborate "pasos" (sculptural representations of scenes from the Passion), particularly the masterful works of Francisco Salzillo, whose artistic genius comes alive on the streets
Watch as thousands of Nazarenos (penitents) in traditional dress create rivers of colour through the ancient streets
Admire the vibrant floral displays that transform wood and stone into living art
Feel the rhythmic vibrations of drums and the clear notes of bugles creating a solemn soundtrack that echoes through your body
Taste traditional Easter sweets and local specialties that complete this multisensory experience—the processions include not only religious imagery but also regional gastronomy
Fiestas de Primavera - Bando de la Huerta
22 APRIL 2025
The Heart of Murcia's Spring Festivals
Bando de la Huerta is the most important day of the Fiestas de Primavera (Spring Festivities) in the city of Murcia. Occurring on the first Tuesday after Easter, this celebration represents the city par excellence—a day when Murcia buzzes with activity and proudly displays its cultural roots and festive character in the streets.
Dating back to 1851, though celebrated on approximately 120 occasions throughout its history, this festival serves as a magnificent exaltation of the orchard traditions that are inextricably linked to the city's identity and development. In the days leading up to the parade, orchard societies establish "barracas" (traditional structures) in the city's main squares and gardens. These open after the last procession of Resurrection Sunday and remain accessible until the following Sunday.
A Day of Cultural Pride
The celebration begins early in the morning with a moving floral offering to the Virgin of Fuensanta, patron saint of the city. This solemn ceremony takes place before the splendid baroque façade of Murcia Cathedral, creating a moment of reverence that contrasts with the jubilant festivities to follow.
As the day progresses, the city undergoes a remarkable transformation. Tens of thousands of people of all ages take to the streets wearing traditional regional dress:
Men attired in "zaraguelles" (traditional trousers), ornate vests and "monteras" (distinctive orchard hats)
Women dressed in beautiful skirts, decorative aprons and elegant shawls
What truly distinguishes and characterises the orchard dress is the extraordinary richness of its embroidery and the abundance of ornaments—each outfit representing hours of meticulous craftsmanship and centuries of tradition.
The Grand Parade
The afternoon brings the festival's pinnacle—a grand parade that departs from the Infante Don Juan Manuel neighbourhood and winds through the city centre. This vibrant procession features:
Ox-drawn wagons decorated with flowers and traditional elements
Folkloric groups representing all the "peñas huertanas" (orchard societies)
Rolling "barracas" (stands) from which participants joyfully distribute broad beans, black puddings and sandwiches to spectators
The entire city and surrounding orchard communities participate in this event, either by marching in the parade or joining the enthusiastic audience. Visitors often find themselves caught up in the infectious joy, becoming active participants rather than mere observers of this magnificent celebration.
A Festival for All Ages
The Bando de la Huerta has its own children's version, typically celebrated on the afternoon of Resurrection Sunday. In this charming adaptation, the youngest citizens recreate the parade of their elders, complete with miniature floats from which they distribute sweets to delighted spectators.
Experiencing the Festival from La Buena Vida
For guests staying at La Buena Vida, the Bando de la Huerta offers a perfect opportunity to witness Murcian culture at its most authentic and vibrant. We recommend:
Arriving in Murcia city early to secure good viewing spots for the parade
Visiting at least one "barraca" to sample traditional foods like zarangollo (scrambled eggs with vegetables), michirones (broad bean stew), or paparajotes (lemon leaves in sweet batter)
Bringing a hat and water, as April can be warm in Murcia
Taking photographs of the extraordinarily detailed traditional costumes
Enjoying the festive atmosphere with an open mind and ready appetite
Our team can arrange transportation to Murcia city for this special day and provide guidance on the best locations to experience different aspects of the festival.
Entierro de la Sardina
26 APRIL 2025
The Grand Finale of Murcia's Spring Festivities
The Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) marks the conclusion of Murcia's Spring Festivities with a night of wild celebration that stands in stark contrast to the traditional Bando de la Huerta. This event combines carnival atmosphere, pagan symbolism, and generous gift-giving in a uniquely Murcian tradition.
The Celebration
The grand parade on Saturday, 26 April 2025 features an extraordinary procession through Murcia's streets:
"Gigantes y cabezudos" (giants and figures with oversized heads)
"Hachones y titiriteros" (torch bearers and acrobats)
"Demonios" (demons) and Brazilian samba groups
Dozens of elaborate floats representing gods from Mount Olympus
Each float belongs to a different "agrupación sardinera" (sardine association) whose members throw thousands of toys to spectators lining the parade route. In the days before the main event, troupes from these associations enliven the city with smaller parades, building anticipation.
On the evening before (Friday, 25 April), officials read the "Will of Doña Sardina" from the City Council balcony—a satirical document that traditionally pokes fun at local politics.
The festivities conclude in the early hours of Sunday as the last float is stored away and the sardine effigy, crafted from stone and cardboard, is ceremoniously burned in the Plaza de San Francisco. This ritual symbolises the end of Lent's fasting period and the return to normal life.
For La Buena Vida Guests
We recommend:
Arriving several hours before the parade
Bringing a bag for collecting toys thrown from floats
Staying until early morning to witness the burning ceremony
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a lively celebration
Our staff can arrange transportation to and from Murcia city, including late-night return options.
For the complete experience of Murcia's Spring Festivities, consider attending both the Bando de la Huerta (22 April) and the Entierro de la Sardina (26 April) to witness the region's dual character.
For more information: www.entierrodelasardina.es
Festivities Honouring the Holy and True Cross of Caravaca
01 MAY 2025 - 05 MAY 2025
Immediately following the solemnity of Holy Week, the Murcia region bursts into vibrant celebration with the Festivities of Caravaca de la Cruz, a spectacular event that has earned dual recognition as both an International Tourist Interest and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Every year, thousands of visitors flock to Caravaca with the sole aim of immersing themselves in this extraordinary celebration held from 1st to 5th May. The festivities feature two unique spectacles that capture the essence of Spanish tradition, history, and culture: the mesmerising Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) and the breathtaking Caballos del Vino (Wine Horses).
Moros y Cristianos: History Brought to Life
The Moros y Cristianos festivities commemorate the medieval conflicts when Caravaca stood as a frontier between Christian territories and the Nazarí Kingdom of Granada. This historical pageantry brings the past into the present through magnificent parades where "Kábilas" (Moorish groups) and Christian companies march in formation, led by sultans and kings. As they process through the streets, participants wear elaborately crafted costumes with astonishing detail and splendour, their rich fabrics and intricate designs catching the sunlight. Moorish marches and precise choreographies set to music captivate spectators who line the routes, while the rivalries of centuries past come alive with passion, colour, and artistic precision as the two sides enact their historical confrontation.
The parades wind through Caravaca's medieval streets with impressive historical accuracy:
Costumes: Each "kábila" and Christian group presents historically inspired dress representing different periods—from the ornate robes of Moorish emirs to the gleaming armour of Christian knights.
Music: Moorish kábilas are accompanied by rhythms, drums, and flutes with North African influences, while Christian companies march to military fanfares and traditional Spanish melodies.
Performance: Groups execute carefully rehearsed movements that portray historical moments—diplomatic exchanges, battle tactics, and cultural ceremonies.
Evening Parades: The most memorable processions often occur after sunset, when torches and lighting create dramatic effects against Caravaca's ancient architecture.
The celebration reaches its height on the evening of May 3rd with the Grand Parade, when all groups display their finest costumes and most impressive choreographies in succession. We recommend finding viewing spots along Gran Vía or near the Templete.
Caballos del Vino: The Heartbeat of Caravaca
The 2nd of May marks the most intensely anticipated day of the festivities—the mythical race of the Caballos del Vino. This extraordinary competition honours tradition, natural power, and the ancient bond between man and horse. More than 60 "peñas" (traditional local groups) compete in a dramatic race against the clock with their magnificently adorned horses, commemorating the legendary moment when Christian knights broke through a Moorish siege, carrying wineskins to quench the thirst of those imprisoned in the fortress. The thundering sound of galloping hooves echoes through the streets as the horses, adorned with spectacular hand-embroidered mantles—masterpieces of textile art that take thousands of hours to create—sprint toward glory. Throughout the day, the city pulses with energy as thousands of spectators dressed in the traditional white and red fill the streets, their excitement building with each racing team.
The day begins at dawn when the town awakens to the sound of music announcing the coming spectacle. By early morning, the narrow streets leading to the castle hill are already packed with onlookers eager to secure the best viewing positions. The competition consists of two distinct parts that showcase different aspects of horsemanship and artistry.
First comes the 'Concurso de Caballos a Pelo,' where juries evaluate the horses without their embroidered mantles, judging their physical condition, grooming, and presentation. This is followed by the 'Concurso de Enjaezamiento,' an exhibition where the elaborately decorated horses are presented to appreciative crowds and judges who assess the quality and artistry of the embroidered mantles. These mantles represent a year's work by skilled artisans, with designs depicting historical scenes, religious motifs, and symbols of Caravaca.
The climax arrives with 'La Carrera,' the race itself. Four runners accompany each horse, two holding the bridle and two running alongside. They must sprint up the steep, narrow street to the castle in under 60 seconds, navigating the slippery cobblestones while maintaining control of the powerful animal. Success requires extraordinary coordination between the four men and the horse—a single misstep could lead to failure.
What makes this festival particularly remarkable is its deep connection to local identity. Many families in Caravaca have participated in the same "peña" for generations, passing down their passion for the Caballos del Vino from father to son. The competition fosters fierce but friendly rivalry between groups, with each striving to create more beautiful mantles and achieve faster race times than their neighbours.
For visitors, the festival offers a rare glimpse into a tradition that remains authentically local despite its growing international recognition. The combination of risk, beauty, and historical significance creates an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of Spanish cultural heritage at its most genuine.
Experiencing Caravaca's Festivities from La Buena Vida
To fully appreciate this unique celebration:
Arrive early to secure good viewing positions, especially for the Wine Horses race on 2nd May
Join the locals by wearing white with a red scarf—becoming part of the festive atmosphere rather than merely observing it
Marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the horse mantles, often considered among the finest examples of embroidery in Spain
Sample local wines and traditional foods that feature prominently during these days
Visit the Sanctuary of Vera Cruz, home to the revered cross that gives the town its name and spiritual significance
Our team at La Buena Vida can arrange transportation to Caravaca de la Cruz (approximately one hour from our accommodation) and provide insider tips to make your experience unforgettable. This festival offers a perfect opportunity to witness Spanish tradition at its most authentic and vibrant.
More information is available at: caravacaenfiestas.com