6 ways to make the most of the December holidays and Christmas in the Region of Murcia
From fiestas in Yecla to diving in the Med, passing through wine tours, cultural days out and medieval and Christmas markets in the Region of Murcia
With national holidays falling on both 6th and 8th December, and the latter being a Sunday and postponed to the Monday, Spain is preparing for its annual long holiday weekend, the “Puente de la Constitución, and the regional tourist board of Murcia makes the following suggestions for trips to the coast and to inland areas while the Christmas lights are being switched on in towns and cities all over the country.
Their suggestions range from beach excursions to mountain getaways and adventure activities, from the bustle of large cities to picturesque rural towns where history has left its indelible mark, from holy pilgrimages to sporting options and from underwater exploration to gastronomic delights – truly something in here for everyone!
The only problem is choosing which is your favourite!
1. The Fiestas of La Purísima, the Virgen del Castillo, in Yecla
Yecla is always a great place to visit and to fall in love with the magnificent Basilica and the historic town centre, but this time of year is truly special as the unique local Fiestas are celebrated between December 5 and 17.
The traditions of the fiestas date back to 1642, when a company of local soldiers led by Captain Martín Soriano Zaplana set out to help suppress the Catalan Revolt in what is sometimes known as the Reapers’ War. All of the men returned home to Yecla safe and sound, for which thanks are still given every December, and these historical roots explain the dominance of the sound and smell of ancient arquebuses being fired in the streets to accompany the numerous processions during the week.
At the same time, the fresh evening temperatures at this time of year are the perfect conditions in which to enjoy the local culinary specialities such as tortas fritas, gachasmigas, gazpachos yeclanos and meatballs stewed in broth!
2. The medieval market of Caravaca as the Holy Jubilee Year nears its end
There is still time to make the pilgrimage to Caravaca de la Cruz during its Holy Jubilee, which occurs every seven years, and even if you are not a believer in the Catholic faith the holding of the annual medieval market, perhaps the largest event of its kind in the Region of Murcia, makes this a wonderful time of the year to do so.
The market runs from December 6 to 9 and is open on each day from 11.00 to 21.00, with over 200 stalls and a bewildering array of street entertainment and activities featuring hundreds of people in period costume. Among the attractions are live music, children’s play areas, themed exhibitions and displays, street parades, demonstrations of crafts dating from the Middle Ages, story-telling, a medieval encampment, evening shows and many more, while fans art buffs will be keen to see the Rafael Tegeo exhibition in the former Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús, featuring works on loan from the Prado, the National Romanticism Museum, the Mubam and many other collections.
3. The Christmas market begins in Murcia
The annual Christmas arts and crafts fair begins on Paseo Alfonso X in the city of Murcia, with hundreds of craftsmen offering all kinds of products from books to cheeses and almost anything else you can imagine. Honey, natural cosmetics, pottery, jewellery, shoes and food and drink are among the most popular items, but the variety and range of products is so wide that you’ll find yourself spending far more time than you planned simply browsing and enjoying the atmosphere!
4. Cultural offerings in the cities of Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca
During both the Puente de la Constitución and the Christmas and New Year holidays, the three main cities of the Region boast a huge range of cultural activities. In the regional capital the Cathedral is always the number one priority for visitors, especially now that the remarkable façade has recently been restored and cleaned, and of course the main museums include the Museo Salzillo, the Casino, the Museo de Bellas Artes (Mubam), the archaeological museum, the Monasterio de Las Claras and a plethora of historic churches in the baroque style which is so characteristic of Murcia’s architecture.
Cartagena offers visitors a chance to travel to Ancient Rome, with monuments such as the Teatro Romano and the museum at the site of the old Forum. Alongside is the splendid Modernist architecture of the late 19th and early 20th century, as well as the regional modern art museum (Muram) and the Civil War air raid shelter museum. Don’t miss out on the tourist boat trips to the Fuerte de Navidad in the bay to catch the view of Cartagena as seafarers have seen it as they approach the city for over 3,000 years!
Meanwhile, one of the most popular visits in Lorca at present is the recently re-opened Palacio de los Guevara, following a restoration project after the 2011 earthquakes which lasted over a decade. While visiting the City of the Sun, other must-see stops are the Palacete Huerto Ruano, the castle which proved impregnable throughout the Middle Ages and the awe-inspiring former Collegiate Church of San Patricio in the Plaza de España.
5. Wine tours and tastings in Jumilla, Yecla and Bullas
This is the time of year when more than a couple of glasses will be raised in toasts with family and friends, and to make sure those glasses are filled with the very best of the Region of Murcia you really should be treating yourself to a tour of the wineries in the three DOP areas of Murcia, Bullas in the north-west and Yecla and Jumilla in the north.
The bodegas affiliated to the three wine routes offer a range of guided tours and tasting experiences, and the routes also include vintners, restaurants, traditional markets, specialized shops and olive oil presses in their range of enjoyable and informative visits. The three towns are surrounded by the beautiful mountainous countryside where the vineyards are located, and in many cases part of the experience is the journey to get there!
6. Water sports at the beaches and other active tourism in the Costa Cálida
The famed warm climate of the Region of Murcia means that year-round beach visits and water sports are a reality in this corner of Europe, with plenty of golf options thrown in for those who don’t trust their sea legs at this time of year!
Cyclists can also find some great routes to follow, both on the flat and in the hills and mountains, but of course it’s the water sports which really set Murcia apart at this time of year, especially in the warm, calm water of the Mar Menor. Here you can learn to sail, water ski and even kitesurf, due to the breeze which generally blows across the Mar Menor, and all along the Mediterranean and Mar Menor coasts there are numerous marinas, clubs and sports centres to choose from.
For those who prefer to explore under the water rather than on it, some of the finest dive locations in Europe are to be found in the areas of La Manga-Isla Grosa, the marine reserve of Cabo de Palos and Islas Hormigas, the marine reserve of Cartagena-La Azohía and Cabo Tiñoso, Mazarrón and Águilas.
At the same time, of course, the vast countryside of the Region of Murcia is criss-crossed by a huge range of hiking routes for both gentle strolls and testing mountain climbs, and this is one of the best ways to explore “the real Murcia” and at the same time shake off the cobwebs of the festive season: click here for more information on sporting and active tourism.
So, this is the menu offered by the regional tourist board… what are you going to order? Whatever your preference, you can find loads more information at the tourist board website!
