Lorca's Christmas lights set to dazzle with a fresh look and giant tree
City centre and old town go glam with a record budget and festive reboot
Lorca is gearing up for a sparkling Christmas, with the official lights switch-on planned for Saturday November 29. That’s not all – this year’s light show will cost 211,000 euros, which is about 10% more than last year according to Councillor Antonio David Sánchez. The job’s already lined up for Elecfes Iluminación, so the countdown is well underway.If the centre looks extra special, that’s because they’re switching things up for 2025. Think white, silver and gold lights giving Lorca a classy glow, ditching the multicoloured bulbs for something a bit more uniform. Even Avenida de Europa gets in on the act with vertical displays on the streetlights.
As for shopping hot-spot Juan Carlos I Avenue, it’s getting 25 new arches in 3D, so expect plenty of wow-factor when wandering down that stretch. Several main streets in the old town, like Corredera and Álamo, will also sport fresh, three-dimensional designs, all chosen to complement the city’s character.
And yes, the famous 20-metre Christmas tree is returning to Plaza de España for the third year in a row. Alongside, around fifty homemade light trees from local students will pop up in squares throughout Lorca and the surrounding districts – a nice touch of community spirit.
A show is planned for the official lights-on moment, with the Festivities Department promising details soon. One thing’s certain: Lorca is getting a proper festive glow-up this year, aiming to bring some cheer and help local businesses shine as well.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Lorca
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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