December 25 Christmas Day nativity play in Alhama de Murcia
A procession and the traditional nativity play of the shepherds in the centre of Alhama
In most of the Region of Murcia Christmas Day is very, very quiet. After the initial uproar as children open the presents which, if they’re lucky, Santa left for them during the night, the rest of the day passes with parents dragging them out for walks, perhaps trying their new bikes or scooters, and wishing that bars and shops were open!
But in Alhama de Murcia there are a couple of special events which are well worth a visit if you’re looking for something a little less orientated towards the immediate family!
At 17.30 the figure of the Virgen de la Candelaria is brought down from her chapel in the mountains to the church of La Concepción, accompanied by the music of “Taller de Músicos de Sonata”. Members of the public are invited to join in with their own instruments and voices, as the parade makes its way from the Ermita del Collao to the Ermita del Padre Manuel, Rambla San Roque, Calle Moreras and the church of La Concepción.
Then at 20.00, the traditional nativity play of the shepherds, the Auto Sacramental de los Pastores, is performed by the Grupo de Coros y Danzas Virgen del Rosario at the Teatro Cine Velasco. Admission is free of charge and of course are welcome to come along and see this event, an inheritance from Christmases past!
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Alhama Today.
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: 08.30 to 14.30
- Saturdays: 10.00 to 13.00
- Sundays and Mondays: closed
For more local information, including news and forthcoming events, visit the home page of Alhama Today.
