December 7 Guided visit to one of the most important days in the annual fiestas of Yecla
The Patron Saint’s Fiestas in Yecla are always held during the second week of December
The patron saint’s fiestas in Yecla, which take place every year starting on 5th December, are the continuation of a tradition which began almost 400 years ago, with the rituals and ceremonies having evolved into their current form over the centuries.
Many of the traditions date back to events which took place nearly four hundred years ago, including the costumes worn by more than 700 “tiraores” and their “cargaores” as they accompany the Virgen del Castillo in the streets while firing arquebuses, the “Mayordomo del Bastón” (based on Captain Zaplana), and other emblematic elements surrounded by the pungent burning of gunpowder.
Although the first day of the Fiestas is December 5, one of the most important events takes place two days later, when the figure of the Patron of Yecla is brought down from her sanctuary on the hill to the town. Events begin early with the “Alborada” in the courtyard of the Basílica and then the soldiers make their way up to the Santuario del Castillo, firing their arquebuses all the way, before bringing the Saint down to her temporary home in the Basílica, again firing their muskets.
This is one of the most important days of the Yecla and is a local holiday (although in 2024 it falls on a Saturday), and part of the enjoyment of the day lies in the consumption of hearty local culinary specialities and of course a glass or two of the wine for which the municipality is famous. With this in mind, the tourist office is offering a special guided tour, including not only the spectacle of the traditional events but also a chance to taste the typical dish of “gazpachos yeclanos” as prepared by Restaurante Aurora, accompanied by wines bearing the DOP Yecla label.
The tour begins in the Plaza Mayor at 11.00 and participation costs 7 euros (including the food and wine).
Please note that all of the guided tours in Yecla are extremely popular and booking well in advance is strongly advised: click here to reserve your place!
For the same reason, if you book but then cannot attend, please inform the tourist office (see contact details below).
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
Yecla is a large municipality in the north of the Region of Murcia, home to just under 35,000 people, and these days is best known for its wines, which enjoy Denomination of Origin status, and its furniture production, which has its origins in the abundance of pine trees on the mountainsides and the high plateaux.
While visitors in the 21st century may be attracted primarily by wine tourism, the town (or city, as it was proclaimed in 1878) also has a wide historical, cultural and natural heritage, and an identity quite different from the coastal areas of the Region of Murcia. For this reason it is often grouped together with its neighbour and fellow wine-producing area Jumilla as part of the Altiplano area.
Yecla borders with Castilla-La Mancha and the Region of Valencia and is closer to Alicante coastal areas than much of Murcia. These visitors come to see the historic old town itself - an atmospheric and interesting place, crammed full of history - the natural beauty of Monte Arabí, with stunning views for those who enjoy the outdoors, the gastonomy and of course the wine route.
Yecla boasts cave paintings from 10,000 years ago in Monte Arabí, a Bronze Age settlement at El Arabilejo, Iberian remains in El Pulpillo and a Roman administrative centre at Los Torrejones as well as the remnants of the 11th century Moorish castle on the hill behind the town. More modern (and complete) testimony to the past are the buildings in the town centre, which include the grandiose Basílica de la Purísima, with its striking blue dome, the archaeological museum and the attractive Plaza Mayor, where the 16th century Town Hall stands alongside the Renaissance Casa de los Alarcos, the clock tower and the old grain store.
The tourist office holds a full selection of leaflets, maps, pre-planned routes, accommodation and restaurant options and information about visiting Yecla for both individuals and groups.
There is parking close to the tourist office, although those driving to Yecla for the first time are advised to park in Calle Perales.
For further information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Opening hours:
Tuesday to Friday 8.00 to 15.00
Saturdays 10.30 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 19.30.
Public holidays 10.30 to 14.00
Click for map, Yecla tourist office
