September 5 to 9, Feria Chica fiestas in Lorca in honour of the Virgen de las Huertas
The first of two September Ferias in Lorca features live concerts and a procession commemorating one of the legends of Lorca's history
Every September the city of Lorca holds two “ferias” or fairs, the larger of which takes place at the end of the month, although for many locals the more significant one is centred around September 8, which is the feast day of the Virgen de las Huertas (the patron of Lorca).
This year’s events at the “Feria Chica” (the little fair) take place between September 6 and 10 and are based at the church of the Virgen de las Huertas just outside the city centre and in the square outside. This square is named Plaza del Rey Sabio after Alfonso X of Castilla, who conquered Lorca from the Moors, allegedly with the help of the divine intervention of the Virgen de las Huertas, in 1244 (see map).
A Franciscan monastery and church were built on this spot after Prince Alfonso, later King Alfonso X El Sabio, set up camp here before entering and "liberating" the city in 1244, with the express intention that it should house a figure of the Virgin mary which was especially dear to him.
The program for the 2024 festivities includes the following, with all events taking place in the Plaza del Rey Sabio unless otherwise stated:
Thursday September 5
21.00: The official opening speech is given by bullfighter Pepín Jiménez.
21.00: Brisca competition at the Centro Social.
21.30: Opening gala of the 34th annual Virgen de las Huertas folk festival.
Friday September 6
22.00: Live concert by Los Caimanes.
00.30: Another live concert featuring La Húngara.
2.00: Flamenco remix with DJ Celso.
Saturday September 7
22.00: Comedy, Humo ren Casa2 with Mariano y Punto and La Nena.
23.00: Migas competition outside the Centro Social.
23.30: “Cucaña”, greasy pole walking contest outside the Centro Social!
00.30: Live music from Cómplices, whose music was popular in Spain throughout the 1990s.
2.00: Remember Music with DJ Cano, tunes from the 80s and 90s.
Sunday September 8
9.00: Floral and musical parade featuring the Banda Municipal de Lorca.
9.00 to 19.00: Classic and vintage car rally at the IFELOR venue.
11.30 and 19.00: Holy Mass.
20.00: The procession of the figure of the Virgen de las Huertas through the streets. The Virgin is both the patron and the Honorary Mayoress of Lorca!
21.30: Final gala of the 34th annual Virgen de las Huertas international folk music festival.
00.30: Festival Jóven, music for young adults with DJ Cano, DJ Iván Belmonte and Celso DJ.
Monday September 9
10.00: Traditional community bicycle ride in memory of Clemente Martínez Muñuera, starting at the Estanco el Quijero.
20.30: El Mundo Maravilloso de Julio Verne, a show for children.
22.00: Live music from Marisol Segura.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Plaza de Espana, 30800 LorcaTel: 968 441914 (Fax 968 466157)
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. Amongst 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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 itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
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 through agricultural exploitations.
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 parades 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 complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
- Monday to Friday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00.
- Saturday: 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30.
- Sunday: 10.00 to 14.00.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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