Sunday April 27 The Romería de San Marcos in Yecla
Yecla welcomes the spring with a day of merry-making at Cerrico de la Fuente
The annual Romería of San Marcos in Yecla takes place on the Sunday nearest to the feast day of the Saint on 25th April, and is a very popular event as locals celebrate the arrival of warmer spring weather in the Altiplano of northern Murcia.
This is a typical “romería” day, beginning early at Cerrico de la Fuente with a hearty breakfast of gachasmigas. Music is always provided by the Grupo Folclórico Arabí, and more dancing and music follow prior to the large paella lunch.
The convivial atmosphere continues through the afternoon before party-goers travel the 5 kilometres back to Yecla.
The schedule for the event on Sunday 27th April is as follows:
8.00: Those taking part begin to gather at the Cerrico de la Fuente.
8.30: The “gachasmigas” competition begins.
9.15: Gachasmigas tasting and judging begins. Before prizes are awarded at 9.45.
10.30: Mass and singing by the Grupo Folclórico Arabí.
11.00: Traditional folk dancing and a children’s fair with inflatable castles etc.
12.00: More folk music and dancing from the Grupo Folclórico Arabí.
13.00: A giant paella for all.
16.00: The children’s fair continues.
16.30: The annual Petanca competition (in pairs).
Registration for the gachasmigas competition and the paella is open until Thursday 24th April at 14.00 at the Oficina de Festejos in the Town Hall of Yecla (Plaza Mayor, telephone 968 75 11 34, email teatro@yecla.es). The registration fees are 5 euros to enter the gachasmigas competition (minimum 10 people per group) and 4 euros per head for the paella,
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
