September 5 to 17 Feria de Murcia
Processions, Moors and Christians, music, “huerto” open-air restaurants and a huge schedule of activities and events in the city of Murcia
Two weeks of events and celebrations as the figure of “La Fuensanta”, patron of the city, spends two weeks in Murcia
No sooner is the summer over and the school year starts, the city of Murcia embarks on another round of fiestas every year with the Feria, which for many of those who live in the regional capital means a visit or two to the massive fairground at the La Fica venue behind the Auditorio Víctor Villegas and at least one meal in the "huretos" – the open-air restaurants which are installed for the duration of the celebrations in the Malecón gardens.
In the 2024 edition of the Feria de Murcia there is, as ever, a wide variety of other entertainments and activities, including bullfights, the Moors and Christians celebrations, concerts and of course the veneration of the patron of the city, the Virgen de la Fuensanta.
The sculpted figure of “La Morenica” is housed for most of the year at her sanctuary in the mountains of the regional park of El Valle, but on September 5 this year she will be carried down to the cathedral in Murcia to preside over the Feria. She returns to the mountains in a major “romería” on September 17, a local holiday which marks the end of the celebrations and one which thousands of Murcianos spend accompanying her on her journey, making the Romería one of the landmarks in the annual calendar.
At the fairground this year over 150 attractions open to the public on September 5, there are various innovations, including the giant wheel reminiscent of the London Eye.
Some of the permanent fixtures throughout the fiestas are the following:
The Big Wheel, “De Murcia al Cielo', open from 18.00 to 1.00, remaining open until 29th September in the Plano de San Francisco. Weekend timetable 12.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 1.00.
The funfair, open every day from 18.00 to 1.00, with special half-price days on 5th September and 10th September.
The “Huertos” in the Malecón garden, open every day 19.00 to 00.30 horas (weekends 19.00 to 1.00).
“Hoy enseñamos” exhibition in the Museo de la Ciudad (until 29th September).
Exhibitions at the Museo de la Ciencia y el Agua, “Juegos, audiovisuales e interactivos” and “Tesoros del Mar Menor”.
“De Murcia al Cielo”, the panoramic Ferrris wheel, open until 29th September from 18.00 to 1.00 horas at the Plano de San Francisco. Weekends 12.00 to 14.00 and 18.00 to 1.00.
The funfair is open every day from 18.00 to 1.00, with reduced prices on September 5 and 10.
The Huertos in the Jardín del Malecón are open from 19.00 to 00.30 (weekends 19.00 to 1.00). Be sure to book in advance!
Exhibition at the Cárcel Vieja cultural centre, “La persistencia del deseo” by Nadin Ospina.
Exhibition at the Cuartel de Artillería, “Abstracta 2024. La forma desvela-da”.
Photography exhibition at Los Molinos del Río, “Los incontables” by María Tomás Rodríguez.
Photography exhibition in Avenida Libertad, “Colores del Mundo” featuring images from National Geographic.
Boat trips on the River Segura, until 10th September. 11.00 to 14.00 and 17.00 to 21.00, 20-minute hire for just 1 euros per head.
Arts and crafts market in the Plaza de la Cruz Roja, September 6 to 16, weekdays 18.00 to 23.00, weekends also in the morning.
Exhibition at the Palacio Almudí: “Un ciclo pictórico regional” and sculptures by Juan Méjica on Paseo Escultor Juan González Moreno.
The program of events for the 2024 Feria de Murcia includes the following (the full program in Spanish can be found here):
Thursday September 5
15.30: The figure of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta leaves her mountain sanctuary in a Romería, coming down to the city.
18.00: 2x1 offer at the funfair.
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
19.00: Guided tour of the Museo de la Ciudad, prior registration on 968 274390.
19.30: The figure of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta arrives at the Cathedral to be greeted enthusiastically (and musically)!
21.00: Music on the terrace of Los Molinos with Lemon Pop. Access free of charge.
21.30: The Big Wheel, “De Murcia al Cielo”, is officially opened at the FICA fairground, alongside the encampments of the Moors and Christians in the Plano de San Francisco.
22.00: The Huertos officially open in the Jardines del Malecón.
22.30: Official opening of the funfair at the FICA.
Friday September 6
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
20.00: Opening of the “Terraza de la Feria” at Los Molinos by the river.
20.00: The Lemon Pop festival in the Parque de Fofó with Sueño Xanadú, Marcelo Criminal, Los Estanques and Pony Bravo. Admission free of charge.
22.15: Opening speech of the Feria in the Plaza Romea followed by fireworks.
Saturday September 7
11.30: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
19.00: La Calle Salsa in Avenida de la Libertad, outside El Corte Inglés.
20.00: Concert by Adrián Ruiz + Dingy at the Terraza de la Feria, admission free of charge.
20.00: Acordes de Feria, music from the Asociación Musical Virgen de la Fuensanta (Los Garres) in the Plaza de la Paja.
20.00: The Lemon Pop festival continues in the Parque de Fofó with Nadie Oatín, Joseluis, The Wave Pictures and Kurt Baker. Admission free of charge.
Sunday September 8
10.00 to 13.30: Model and remote control boats in the Cantante Mari Trini (Ronda Sur).
12.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
20.00: Acordes de Feria, music from the Asociación Musical Virgen de la Fuensanta (Los Garres) in the Plaza de la Paja.
20.00: Concert by Antonio Micol + Salmerock at the Terraza de la Feria, admission free of charge.
20.00 and 22.00: A chance to taste the best Pastel de Carne Artesano of 2024 in the Huertos del Malecón.
Monday September 9
Moros y Cristianos: Escape Templario, an activity in which challenges have to be completed related to King Alfonso X, Las Claras, the Cathedral, San Juan de Dios and the Medieval Wall. The result is the key to a code which enables winners to open a chest in the Recinto Templario at the encampment of the Moors and Christians between 23.00 and midnight.
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
20.15: Moros y Cristianos opening parade from Plaza de la Cruz to the Teatro Romea.
21.00: Opening speech of the Moros y Cristianos celebrations at the Teatro Romea.
22.30: Official opening of the Moros y Cristianos encampment in the Malecón car park.
Tuesday September 10
9.00: Guided tours of the Moorish palace of the Castillejo in Monteagudo.
18.00: Children’s day at the fairground, half price!
20.00: Concert by Sistema Nervioso + DJ at the Terraza de la Feria, admission free of charge.
22.00: Free concert by Chocolate Son in the Jardín del Malecón.
Wednesday September 11
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
19.00: Guided visit of the Museo de la Ciudad, “Scape Urbano Mursiya”.
20.00: Fencing demonstration at the encampment of the Moors and Christians.
20.00: Concert at the Terraza de la Feria, admission free of charge.
21.00: Cinema, “Ice Age” on the outdoor screen alongside the River Segura next to the Manterola bridge.
21.30: Free concert by Belter Souls in the Plaza de Belluga outside the Cathedral.
Thursday September 12
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
19.00: Moros y Cristianos children’s parade. Route: Santo Domingo, Trapería, Plaza de la Cruz, Plaza de Belluga, Plaza Santo Domingo.
20.00: Free concert by Bloody Black Soul + DJ at the Terraza de la Feria.
21.00: Cinema, “Aladdin” on the outdoor screen alongside the River Segura next to the Manterola bridge.
Friday September 13
11.00: Guided visit of the Museo de la Ciudad, “Scape Urbano Mursiya”.
18.00: Moros y Cristianos, homage is paid to the Infante Alfonso, later King Alfonso X El Sabio, in the Plaza de la Cruz.
20.00: Free concert by Antonio Micol + Dingy at the Terraza de la Feria.
20.30: Tastings of the best “marineras” with Estrella de Levante beer in the Jardín de Floridablanca.
20.30: Moros y Cristianos, welcoming parade. Route: Calle de la Merced, Calle Alejandro Seiquer, Calle de los Apóstoles, Plaza de los Apóstoles, Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, Calle Arenal, Glorieta de España.
20.00: Free concert by El Camarote de los Hermanos Marx at the Terraza de la Feria.
Saturday September 14
8.30: Carrera de la Mujer run in the centre of Murcia.
11.00: Moros y Cristianos, festival parade, route:: Plaza de la Cruz, Traperia, Plaza de Santo Domingo, Plaza de la Cruz.
11.30: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
12.00 to 13.30: Giants and Big Heads parade with percussion from La Chirimía de Murcia, from Plaza de Belluga to Plaza de Romea.
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival.
20.00: Free concert by David Andreu + Salmerock at the Terraza de la Feria.
20.00: Acordes de Feria, music from the Asociación Musical Virgen de la Fuensanta (Los Garres) in the Plaza de la Paja.
20.00: Moros y Cristianos, the Grand Parade.
20.30: Tastings of the best “marineras” with Estrella de Levante beer in the Jardín de Floridablanca.
21.30: Vëla The Show, music and gastronomy in Auditorio Murcia Parque.
22.00: Live music from Oh Bro! in the Jardín del Malecón.
Sunday September 15
9.00: Rock climbing at the Cresta del Gallo in the mountains of Algezares, 5 km or so from the city centre.
11.45: Procession of the figure of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta at the Cathedral to mark the end of the festivities.
12.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks.
12.00: Moros y Cristianos, children’s event in Plaza de Santo Domingo.
18.00: Floral offering to the Virgen de la Arrixaca in the church of San Andrés.
18.00: Cómete Murcia Food Trucks festival.
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring toreros Cayetano, Daniel Luque and Jorge Martínez.
19.00: Moros y Cristianos, ceremonial firing of arquebuses on the following route: Plaza de San Agustín, Calle García Alix, Calle Pintor Sobejano, Calle Plano de San Francisco, Avenida Teniente Flomesta, Plaza de la Cruz Roja.
20.00: Concert by Adrián Ruiz and Joaquín Guillén DJ at the Terraza de la Feria, optional wine tasting 20 euros.
20.00: Acordes de Feria, music from the Asociación Musical Virgen de la Fuensanta (Los Garres) in the Plaza de la Paja.
21.00: Moros y Cristianos, re-enactment of the foundation of the city of Murcia in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.
22.00: Free concert by Son del Malecón in the Jardín del Malecón.
Monday September 16
18.00: Food trucks and DJs, open until 00.30, in the Jardín de Teniente Flomesta.
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring toreros Enrique Ponce and Pepín Liria.
20.00: Exhibition and sale of wines from Bullas and Jumilla, cheeses from the Region of Murcia and the winner of the 2024 “pastel de carne” competition in the Huertos del Malecón.
20.30: The grand Moros y Cristianos parade representing the arrival of the Infante Alfonso de Castilla. Route: Calle Acisclo Díaz, Gran Vía Escultor Salzillo, Plaza de Martínez Tornel, Calle Tomás Maestre, Calle San Patricio, Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.
21.00: Huertano parade with traditional music and dancing groups. Route: Plaza de Santo Domingo, Alejandro Seiquer, Plaza de Cetina, Calle Barrionuevo, Plaza Hernández Amores (Plaza de la Cruz).
22.00: The Moors and Christians re-enact the handing over of the keys of the city to Prince Alfonso in the Plaza del Cardenal Belluga.
1.00: The “huertos” in the Malecón close for the end of this year’s Feria.
Tuesday September 17
7.00: Holy Mass in the Cathedral to bid farewell to the figure of Nuestra Señora de la Fuensanta, followed by the Romería in which she is accompanied by thousands on her return to her mountain sanctuary.
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring toreros Talavante, Paco Ureña and Roca Rey.
Friday September 20
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring local toreros.
Saturday September 21
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring the toreros Morante, Manzanares y Paco Ureña.
20.30: Folk music festival in the Jardín de Salitre featuring the Grupo Folclórico Mistura (San Ciprián de Galicia), the Grup de Danses La Senyera de Valencia and Coros y Danzas San Antón de Murcia.
Sunday September 22
18.30: Bullfighting in the bullring, featuring the toreros Andy Cartagena and Diego Ventura.
For more upcoming events in the Region of Murcia go to the What’s on section of Murcia Today.
