Lorca welcomes traffic disruption as the Easter processions approach!
Temporary stands for spectators are being put up in the city centre of Lorca
Driving through the centre of Lorca can at times be, as in any large city, a trial of patience, but the latest disruption on the central Avenida Juan Carlos I will be a welcome sight for locals as it means that the annual Biblical Parades of Easter Week are just around the corner!
The avenue was partially closed to traffic early in the morning of Friday 20th March as work began to put up the temporary stands for spectators along the processionary route, where in a fortnight’s time Roman chariots will be hurtling down the street, the exquisitely embroidered cloaks of the riders trailing behind them. This is one of the most spectacular sights of Semana Santa in all of Spain, and the city is divided by the rivalry between the Whites and the Blues, the two brotherhoods who play the most important parts in the procession.
Street furniture and advertising hoardings have already been removed from the avenue and the construction of the stands is now under way between the Plaza del Óvalo and Calle Floridablanca. The only traffic currently permitted is for residents and the delivery and collection of goods along the busy thoroughfare, and the situation will remain this way until 4th April, the day after the last of the biblical processions.
Buses in the city continue to use their usual route on Calle Santo Domingo, Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Músico Juan Antonio Gómez Navarro, Santa Paula and Plaza del Óvalo, but from 1st to 4th April even residents will be unable to use this main artery.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
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. Among 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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 relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
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 along difficult tracks or by boat!
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 processions 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 historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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