August 15 The procession of the Virgen del Cisne in Lorca
This advocation of the Virgin Mary is most strongly associated with the Catholic faith in Ecuador
It has become a tradition in the city of Lorca in recent years for the religious holiday of Assumption Day to be celebrated with a procession of the figure of the Virgen del Cisne, and this year the event is taking place for the 25th time on the national holiday which always occurs in Spain on August 15.
The Virgen del Cisne (literally Our Lady of the Swan) owes her name not to any resemblance to the aquatic bird but because it is an advocation of the Virgin Mary which has its roots in the town of El Cisne in Ecuador. It is said that the figure of the Virgen was found in 1594 in the River Catamayo and there is now a Basilica in her name in the town.
In 1440 a military-religious Order of the Knights of the Swan was founded by Frederick II of Prussia with its base in Brandenburg.
While the Virgen del Cisne is most commonly revered in Ecuador, the large number of South American migrants living in and around Lorca has doubtless contributed to her popularity in the area over the last quarter of a century, and the figure which is housed in the church of San Mateo will be carried in procession via Calles Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Cuesta de San Francisco, Plaza de la Concordia, Alfonso X el Sabio, Fernando el Santo and Selgas to the Plaza de España.
Among the events scheduled during the day are the following:
8.00: A noisy wake-up call for the locals with music and bells in the streets!
10.00: The doors of the church are opened to the faithful, pilgrims and onlookers and a floral tribut eis offered.
15.00: The presentation and performance of the band “La majestuosa de Ecuador”.
18.00: Mass in honour of the Virgen del Cisne.
19.00: The “Serentata” to the Virgin is sung by Carla Lozano and Nely Calderón and the procession of the holy image begins.
20.00: Dance groups are presented and perform in the Plaza de España.
22.00: The traditional burning of the “local cow” is accompanied by fireworks and partying.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
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, 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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 itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
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 through agricultural exploitations.
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 parades 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 complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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