April 26 to May 6 Los Mayos fiestas 2024 in Alhama de Murcia: full programme
The main Mayos 2024 weekend in Alhama de Murcia is May 4 and 5
Alhama de Murcia celebrates its annual Los Mayos fiestas at the beginning of May, combining local traditions with entertainment and fun for the whole family, and this year once again a full version of events is scheduled and the atmosphere is guaranteed to be as festive as ever!
Throughout Spain and the rest of Europe, May Day is celebrated to herald the arrival of spring and of a period of fertility and abundance. Its roots lie firmly in the pagan past, although it was gradually absorbed into the Christian faith as it became more widespread and many of its rituals were adapted to Christianity.
The May celebrations in Alhama de Murcia are called Los Mayos and were declared as being of National Tourist Interest in 2019 due in part to the unique traditions at their core. There are three distinct elements of the celebrations in Alhama which have evolved to become a singular fiesta within the region, one which not only attracts thousands of visitors from the Spanish community but is also very popular with expat visitors on account of its vibrancy and range of activities.
Las Cruces de Mayo
The roots of these traditions can be found in Pagan rituals which focused on the feminine and the relationship with the sacred female figure of fertility, Mother Nature or the Earth Goddess. Flowers represented fertility and abundance, and were used to adorn sacred places where people made offerings and gave thanks for the fruitfulness of the earth.
As Christianity spread these traditions were adapted to celebrate the Virgin Mary and in many parts of Spain she is honoured today with the Cruces de Mayo. These are crosses dressed with flowers, displayed with plants and religious tokens, and the tradition is an important part of the Alhama celebrations: beautifully decorated floral crosses are proudly displayed in homes and public places throughout the town, and can be visited and admired as part of the Los Mayos.
The Crosses are generally displayed early in the week and remain in place until the end of the fiestas.
La Plantá, the "planting" of figures
Again, this tradition has Pagan roots, with the symbolic burning and cleansing act of seeing out the old and bringing in the new. Representative figures would be made of whatever materials were available with symbolic messages which could be ‘cleansed" at the end of the festival as an act of renewal and regeneration.
There are many celebrations worldwide in which figures are used symbolically to represent this idea, and in Alhama the act of creating figures emerged into a tradition which dates back certainly to the beginning of the twentieth century and very probably much further.
Figures are made from fabric, stuffed with whatever is available (nowadays mainly straw), dressed and set in scenes which represent everyday life, so all around the town displays are created which show residents involved in traditional activities; sitting sewing outside their houses, working in their gardens, or just chatting to one another.
These charming, homely and often satirical tableaux often poke fun at local political figures, confront topical issues and put across a point of view about social subjects, airing them in a way which makes an otherwise uncomfortable topic a point of discussion.
The displays are hidden away from public view until the day of the Plantá on the Saturday, and then Sunday is dedicated to visiting them on foot, on board the tourist train or even by bicycle.
Maps can be picked up from the Tourist office, where tickets are on sale for just 1 euro for the tourist train (which runs in a continuous loop from outside the tourist office).
Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the Mayos and the train stops running for lunch.
The Corremayos
These too have pagan roots, in that the young men of a town used to go out early and dress the homes of the girls with flowers, tending to roam around together on May Day causing havoc.
In Alhama this tradition has evolved into the Corremayos, who dress in harlequin jester costumes as they visit the “planted” figures. As in most fiestas, they carry out a “Pasacalles” parade, in which they are accompanied by musicians.
There are two of these parades in Alhama, on the Saturday night and the Sunday morning, and it’s well worth going along to see the explosion of colour as they fill the streets with noise and celebration. Don’t worry about costumes - there are usually a few on sale for those who don´t have one!
Locations
The Plaza de la Constitución is the centre of most activities and is also home to the tourist office and Town Hall. Opposite them is the Parque La Cubana, in the centre of which is the Auditorio Municipal (an open-air auditorium).
The main fairground is now located on in the western edge of Alhama in the Nueva Espuña area: click for map.
There is parking beneath the Plaza del Ayuntamiento but it’s likely to be busy: often it’s easier to park behind the Parque de la Cubana and walk through it.
The full program of events during the 2024 Los Mayos fiestas in Alhama de Murcia is as follows:
Sunday April 21
10.00 to 15.00: Classic motorcycle meet in the Plaza de la Constitución, held by the Motor’s Classic Alhama association.
10.30: Free dramatized tour of the town centre in Spanish. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online here.
Friday April 26
18.00: Opening of the exhibition "Mayeando con los Corremayos Mayores" at the Casa de la Cultura, displaying all of the honorary "Corremayos Mayores" of recent times and photographs of the festivity. The exhibition can be visited until May 5 on weekdays from 17.00 to 21.00 and at weekends from 11.30 to 14.00 and from 17.00 to 21.00.
18.00: The fairground attractions open in the new Recinto Ferial until midnight (late opening until 3.00 am on the eve of major events). The fair remains in place until May 12.
19.00: Opening of MAYOS BURGER FEST in the new Recinto Ferial, with food challenges, musical performances: taste all the hamburgers you can imagine! Friday from 19.00 to midnight, Saturday from 12.00 to 16.00 and 19.00 to midnight and on Sunday from 12.00 to 16.00.
19.00: Mayos 2024 10-ball pool competition held in Cafetería Blanco y Negro. Saturday 27 and final on Sunday 28. Registration and further information: 696 259681.
Saturday April 27
10.30: “Rescue the Time Traveller”, a gymkhana activity in Spanish for children aged 7 and over accompanied by an adult. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
20.00: Official reception at the Los Baños Archaeological Museum for the folk music and dancing groups taking part in the 40th Festival Nacional de Folklore Los Mayos.
21.30: The national folk music festival itself begins at the Auditorio Municipal. Those taking part are the Grupo Folklórico Virgen de la Vega from Murcia, Algadins Grup de Danses from Valencia, Asociación Cultural Folklórica Aires de Moral from the province of Ciudad Real, Compañía Folklórica Cyd Peligros from the province of Granada and the local Grupo Folklórico Villa de Alhama. Free admission.
Sunday April 28
8.30: Los Mayos “Fuente Alta” walking route, a hiking tour starting outside the indoor swimming pool. Come along in Corremayo costume! Further information at https://alhamacoym.blogspot.com.
10.00: Guided tour in Spanish of the Las Paleras archaeological site. Price: 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children aged 3 to 12. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
Thursday May 2
16.00: The jury tour the town to judge the street, balcony and window decorations competing for prizes.
CHILDREN'S DAY! From 18.00 to midnight a 2-for-the-price-of-1 offer on fairground attractions at the new Recinto Ferial.
22.00: “Canto a la Cruz de los Mayos”. Traditional musical tribute to the May Crosses, performed by the Grupo Folklórico 'Villa de Alhama' at Calle Alfonso X el Sabio, 35.
Friday May 3, May Cross Day
11.00: The 23rd annual Alhama en Concierto folk music festival features the group Vibra-Tó in the atrium of the church of San Lázaro specially for schoolchildren.
16.00: The jury visit the May Crosses competing for prizes. Crosses can then be visited during the afternoon.
17.00: Paddle tennis national tournament, “Ciclo 3 Federación Pádel Región de Murcia” minors category, held by Club Pádel Alhama at the Polideportivo El Praíco. (Friday at 17.00 and weekend at 9.00).
17.00: The Los Mayos Zoco Market opens in the Plaza de la Constitución, remaining in place until May 7. Open Friday 17.00 to 21.00, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 to 21.00.
17.30: The folk music group La Aurora de Alhama perform at the competing May Crosses.
18.30: Free guided tour of the competing Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the Auditorium. Prior booking at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).
20.00: Children's musical theatre, “Peter Pan” at the Auditorio Municipal. Admission free of charge.
21.30: The 23rd annual Alhama en Concierto folk music festival features the groups of Juan José Robles presenting his record “Baile Agarrao y otras polkas” and Korrontzi in the atrium of the church of San Lázaro. Free admission.
Saturday May 4
10.30: Free guided tour of the competing Crosses on the tourist train, starting at the Auditorium. Prior booking at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).
11.00: The folk music group La Aurora de Alhama perform again at the competing May Crosses
From 15.00 to 18.00: The Mayos tableaux are set up in the streets, squares and gardens of Alhama de Murcia. See them while they are being created and enjoy the tradition first hand, or leave it till later – they're there all evening and all night!
The tourist train rides also begin at 15.00, starting at the Auditorio, and continue until 20.00. Price 1 euro.
18.30: Latin rhythms masterclass in the Plaza de la Constitución with Jennifer Rojo, from Paso a Paso dance academy: dress up in Corremayo costume to add to the fun!
18.30: Corremayo make-up and balloon twisting workshops for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.
From 18.45 to 20.45: Mayos 2024 badges are given out outside the tourist office.
20.00: Dance performances by the Paso a Paso dance academy in the Avenida de la Constitución.
21.00: Presentation in the Plaza de la Constitución of the 2023 Corremayo Mayor (the head Corremayo), an award given this year to the "Grupo Folklórico Villa de Alhama” folk group.
21.15: The first Corremayos parade is accompanied by live music from MALVARICHE, with thousands of people dressed in their colourful jester outfits. Route: Avenida de la Constitución, Juan Carlos I, La Feria, Corredera, San Francisco Javier, Constantino López, Sierra Espuña, Miguel Ángel Blanco and fairground Nueva Espuña.
23.45: Los Mayos concert by the folk metal band “Mago de Oz” at the new fairground. Free admission.
1.00: MAYFEST, Los Mayos DJ festival at the new fairground with two stages:
- TNH Stage: Ed0NE B2B IAN LUDVIG, TERCEMONOS B2B SEVILLA, TACHMAN B2B ALBERTO RUIZ.
- The Urban Stage: PAKO MARTINEZ, JOTAMARO, AMEEX, SIMÓN GARCÍA.
Sunday May 5, Los Mayos Day
This is the day on which the all of the tableaux are already "planted" in the squares, streets and gardens of Alhama de Murcia.
9.00: Children’s judo display “Judokas with parents”, held by Club Judo Alhama, at the Pabellón Adolfo Suárez.
10.00: THE MAYOS TRAIN: the tourist train offers tours of the Mayos around the town throughout the day from 10.00 to 20.00, starting at the Auditorio Municipal. Price 1 euro.
10.00: The tourist office opens until 18.00 to provide information, maps, posters, programs and the Los Mayos 2024 badges.
10.00: The judges tour the MAYOS to decide on the winners.
10.30: Kata competition, held by the Club Judo Alhama, at the Pabellón Adolfo Suárez.
10.30: The Los Mayos Cuadrillas (folk music and dancing groups) arrive and set out from the Plaza de la Constitución to visit the Mayos during the morning. The groups taking part are from La Costera, El Berro, Aledo, Bullas and the Cuadrilla de Zaraïche in Murcia.
10.35: The Corremayos set off for another parade around the Mayos, accompanied by the musical charanga of "El Escabeche”. The parade starts in Plaza de la Constitución, and along the route invitations will be handed out to Corremayos dressed in costume to be given priority during the scrum for free paella at lunchtime!
11.00, 12.00 and 13.00: Children's dance performances from Alhanza dance academy, in the Plaza de la Constitución.
14.30: A giant paella is prepared and consumed in the Parque de la Cubana, with priority being given to those in Corremayo costume during the parade.
From 16.00 to 18.00: Circus workshops for children at Parque La Cubana: juggling, Chinese sticks and stilt walkers.
17.00: The Cuadrillas Festival begins in the Plaza de las Américas with the following performances:
17.00: Cuadrilla de El Berro.
17.30: Cuadrilla de Bullas.
18.00: Prizes are awarded for the best Mayos, May Crosses and streets and balcony decorations.
18.30: Cuadrilla de La Costera.
19.00: Cuadrilla de Zaraiche.
17.30: Los Mayos en Bici, a bike ride around the Mayos on display, organized by the Club Ciclista Sierra Espuña, starting in the Plaza de la Constitución. Get in the saddle and enjoy a healthy end to the fiestas!
Tuesday May 7
11.00: “Tour the Museum”, free guided tour IN ENGLISH of the Los Baños Archaeological Museum. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512), the museum or online here.
Thursday May 9
18.00: The walking route “Camino de Caravaca” begins, organised by the Alhama COYM club. It continues on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when they finally arrive in Caravaca. Further information at https://alhamacoym.blogspot.com.
CHILDREN'S DAY returns! From 18.00 to midnight a 2-for-the-price-of-1 offer on fairground attractions at the new Recinto Ferial.
Friday May 10
The weekend of the 32nd ANNUAL LOS MAYOS CUSTOM MOTORCYCLE RALLY begins at the new fairground:
21.00: Those registered enjoy dinner with locally sourced products.
22.30: Live music from "La Trama" music tribute to pop rock, at the fairground.
Midnight: Live concert by “Los Mojinos Escozíos”at the fairground (main stage).
After the concert, DJ session by Pepe Medina.
Saturday May 11
09.00: The 3rd “Los Mayos” children’s rhythmic gymnastics competitions and interclubs begin at the Pabellón Adolfo Suárez, held by club Areté.
10.00: Guided tour in Spanish of the Las Paleras archaeological site. Price: 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children aged 3 to 12. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
12.00 Visit to the display of the Ramón Segura’s classic motorbike collection.
13.00: The motorcycle rally continues with live music from “Rock para 4” at the fairground
17.00: Traspié, live music tribute to rock at the fairground.
19.00: Those registered in the motorcycle weekend are offered a tour passing through the El Pozo Alimentación factory and stopping at the Primafrío plant, with a snack along the way.
21.00: Live screening of the EUROVISION FESTIVAL from the giant screen in the city centre. Come and cheer on “Nebulossa” (or Olly Alexander from the UK)!
21.30: Live music from “Lonely Fire” at the fairground.
22.30: More live music from “Idem” music tribute to El Último de la Fila at the fairground.
Midnight: Live concert by “Fórmula V” at the fairground.
02.00: After the concert, DJ session by Pepe Medina.
Sunday May 12
09.00: Los Mayos Orienteering Race, regional league and school league, organized by the Alhama COYM.
10.00: Great “motoalmuerzo”, brunch for those registered in the rally weekend.
11.00: Live music from “Marcos Elvis” at the fairground.
12.30: Live music from “Los Happies” at the fairground.
Wednesday May 16
17.00: The DEPORTIMAYOS party begins, featuring traditional games, bouncy castles and numerous activities. Venue: Calle Paraguay (next to the indoor pool and sports pavilion). Several Alhama’s sports clubs will also offer information on their sport.
Friday May 17
20.30: Fashion show at the square of the San Lázaro church in Calle La Feria.
Saturday May 18
10.00: Guided tour IN ENGLISH of the Las Paleras archaeological site. Price: 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children aged 3 to 12. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
16.30: 1st Inclusive Futsal Tournament with teams from San Javier, Cartagena and Alhama at the Adolfo Suárez Sport Pavilion, held by Club Deportivo Alhama Fútbol Sala.
16.30: “Sincromayos”, artistic swimming display held by Club Sincro at the indoor pool.
17.00: “Memorial Óscar Sánchez Andreo”. Athletics children’s championships are held at the Complejo Deportivo Guadalentín (Saturday at 17.00 and Sunday at 9.30 h.)
Sunday May 19
07.00: Walking route “Pasarela de Rellau”, starting outside the indoor swimming pool. Further information at https://alhamacoym.blogspot.com
10.30: Free dramatized tour of the town centre in Spanish. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512).
Wednesday May 22
18.00: 5-a-side football tournament under 8’ held by the Alhama, Librilla and Totana sport schools at the Pabellón Adolfo Suárez.
Saturday May 25
10.30: Rescue the Time Traveller, a gymkhana activity in Spanish for children aged 7 and over accompanied by an adult. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
15.00: FMRM Motocross Spanish Championship, MX1 Elite, MX2 Elite and MX125 categories is held by Moto club Alhama at the Circuito Las Salinas (Saturday at 15.00 and Sunday at 10.00).
Sunday May 26
10.00: Guided tour in Spanish of the Las Paleras Archaeological Site. Price: 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children aged 3 to 12. Prior booking is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or online.
April 12 to June 9: PAINTING, SCULPTURE AND PHOTO EXHIBITION “PAISAJE. TERRITORIO PERSONAL” at the Los Baños Archaeological Museum (Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 to 14.00 and Tuesday to Saturday from 16.30 to 19.30).
April 28 to May 7: EXHIBITION “MAYEANDO CON LOS CORREMAYOS MAYORES” at the Casa de la Cultura (Monday to Friday 17.00 to 21.00, weekends 11.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00).
April 29 to May 12: 4th LOS MAYOS WINDOW-DRESSING COMPETITION. All businesses in Alhama who wish to participate may do so. 3 prizes of 300, 250 and 200 euros and 15 runners-up prizes of 50 euros. The jury visits the shops on April 29 from 17.30. Registration at the Centro de Formación y Empleo (868 92 10 84) until April 24.
April 26 to 28: 1st MAYOS BURGER FEST at the new fairground.
May 3 to 5: LOS MAYOS ZOCO ARTISAN MARKET in the Plaza de la Constitución. Friday 17.00 to 21.00, Saturday and Sunday 11.00 to 21.00.
April 26 to May 12: FAIRGROUND ATTRACTIONS at the new fairground, 18.00 to midnight. Late opening until 3.00 am on April 26 and 27, May 3, 4, 10 and 11, but without music from midnight.
NOISELESS HOURS: From 18.00 to 20.00 there will be no music and noise will be kept to a minimum at the fairground attractions in consideration of people with autism-related conditions.
CHILDREN'S DAYS: May 2 and 9, from 18.00 to midnight a 2-for-the-price-of-1 offer on fairground attractions at the new Recinto Ferial.
May 4 and 5: MAYOS TOURIST TRAIN, tours of the Mayos around the town throughout the day and also stopping at the new fairground. Saturday 15.00 to 20.00, Sunday 10.00 to 20.00. Starting at the Auditorio Municipal in Avenida Constitución. Price 1 euro.
Address
Tourist Office Alhama de Murcia, Plaza Constitucion. Frente Auditorio, nº 10, 30840, ALHAMA DE MURCIATel: 968 633 512
Oficina de Turismo de Alhama de Murcia
Alhama de Murcia Tourist information office is located on the edge of the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few metres away from the underground car park and the Town hall of Alhama de Murcia.
The tourist office offers free guided audiotours in English which take visitors around the historical sites of interest in Alhama. These be loaned at any time, although allow an hour and a half to complete the tour, and when loaning the audio equipment visitors are asked to leave passports or ID cards with the tourist office.
The office also carries a full range of leaflets for the archaeological museum of Los Baños, which is built around the historic spa which gives Alhama its name, and the mountains of Sierra Espuña, which is also an important area within the municipality of Alhama. Areas such as El Berro and Gebas have a number of interesting routes which can be followed and there are several picnic areas and good walking routes within the Sierra Espuña natural park.
The tourist office also carries leaflets for the many cultural events and fiestas which take place in Alhama throughout the year, including Los Mayos, Semana Santa, Christmas,the Romería of La Candelaria and the Auto de los Reyes Magos in El Berro.
Opening Hours
Winter (September 16 – May 31)
- Tuesday to Friday: 9am-2pm and 4.30pm-7.30pm
- Saturdays: 10am-1pm
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
Summer (June 1 to September 15)
- Tuesday to Friday: 9.30am-2.30pm
- Saturdays: 10am-1pm
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today.
