February 1 to 3 Fiestas de San Blas in Yecla
Take part in the 500-year-old Yecla fiestas and partake of the Blessed Bread to ward of sore throats!
The fiestas of San Blas are one of the oldest surviving traditions in Yecla, dating back to at least the 16th century, and take place every year in early February.
At this time of year it is customary for all households in Yecla to be well-stocked with “Pan Bendito” (blessed bread), and the same bread is actually blessed in the Basílica de la Purísima. Yet more bread is sent to relatives outside Yecla so that they can continue the tradition in the belief that San Blas will protect them from throat infections!
3rd February is the feast day of San Blas and the fiestas take place around that date. Traditionally, the events begin with a Saturday procession to the Basílica to recite the lord’s Prayer, followed by a parade to the Calle de la Iglesia, home to the old niche of San Blas. A bonfire is lit here and local dignitaries jump over the flames!
A larger procession takes place on the Sunday, featuring three enormous Panes Benditos and the figure of the Saint, accompanied by local authorities both religious and non-religious. Thousands of Yeclanos join in carrying their own bread, including local children, and Mass is held in the Basílica.
The fiestas end with an afternoon of entertainment in the Plaza Mayor, with running races and events such as the sack race for children!
The schedule for the 2025 fiestas includes the following:
Saturday February 1
18.30: The faithful gather at the Basílica de la Purísima and pray before the figure of San Blas, praying for his intervention to ward off sore throats.
The group then moves on to the Oven of San Blas to light the traditional bonfire, accompanied by fireworks and firecrackers. The evening ends with wine, nuts and lupin beans (“tramuzos”, and actually very tasty!).
Sunday February 2
10.30: The faithful gather at the Basílica de la Purísima for the blessing of the monumental “pan bendito” and other loaves.
11.00: The procession of the Panes Benditos begins outside the Basílica, continuing to the Overn of San Blas. After the reciting of the Lord’s Prayer the procession continues before returning to the Basílica.
12.00: Holy Mass in honour of San Blas, followed by the handing out of bread.
16.30: The Plaza Mayor hosts the traditional San Blas Games, including an urban cross country run for all ages, a sack race, a greasy-pole climbing competition and other events.
Monday February 3
19.00: Holy Mass in honour of San Blas in the Basílica de la Purísima.
(Note: San Blas, or Saint Blaise, was an Armenian physician and 4th-century Christian martyr who is patron saint not only of physicians, healing and veterinarians but also, in different places of infants, animals, builders, stonecutters, carvers, drapers, wool workers, the wool industry, throats, defence against choking, ENT illnesses, Bradford, Italy, Sicily, Dubrovnik, Paraguay and Madeira!)
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Yecla Today.
Address
Plaza Mayor, Casa de los Arcos, s/n 30510 YECLATel: 968 754 104
Oficina de Turismo de Yecla
In early 2025, due to renovation work at the usual office, the service is located on the other side of the Plaza Mayor at Calle Epifanio Ibáñez nº 2 (click for map).
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
