Thousands filled the streets for Murcia's 175th Bando de la Huerta
The Bando de la Huerta is one of the main days of Murcia's Spring Festival, celebrating the region's traditions, food and agricultural heritage
Murcia came out in force yesterday for the Bando de la Huerta, which this year marked its 175th anniversary. It is considered to be the main day of Murcia's Spring Festivals, it draws large crowds every year, and this time was no different. From early morning, the city gradually filled, with people heading into the city centre to spend the day outdoors with friends and family and take part in a long-standing local tradition.
The day began in Plaza del Cardenal Belluga with the Misa Huertana, a traditional open-air mass held in honour of the Virgen de la Fuensanta, the patron saint of Murcia. Hundreds gathered in front of the Cathedral for the service, which was followed by a short procession through the city centre.
But around late morning, parks, gardens and squares were already filling up for the real fun. Groups arrived early to find a space and settle in for the day, bringing food, drinks and everything they needed to stay there all day. Lots of people wore traditional huertano outfits, which show off the region’s farming roots.
Food is a big part of the Bando, and much of it centres on the barracas. These are like temporary open-air restaurants run by local groups, set up across the city during the festival. This year, there were 39 in total, serving typical Murcian dishes at set prices. Popular options included grilled meats, sausages, zarangollo, made with courgette, onion and egg, and michirones, a slow-cooked bean stew. As well as paparajotes, a dessert made using lemon leaves coated in batter and sugar. As expected, queues formed early and remained throughout the day.
Streets such as Alfonso X were packed, acting as a central point where people pass through or meet others. In the parks, families and groups of friends spend hours together, often sharing food and drinks. The day isn’t planned or structured like many other festivals throughout Spain, and this is part of the charm. This is what gives it an authentic feel that people like.
The main parade began at 5:00pm and attracted large crowds along its route as usual. More than 80 floats took part this year, many organised by local peñas, which are social groups that play an important role in maintaining the tradition. The floats are designed to show life in the huerta, the fertile agricultural land surrounding Murcia city, and often include scenes showing traditional work and daily life from the past.
To mark the 175th anniversary, a historical-style carriage pulled by horses was included in the parade, and the Museo de la Huerta de Alcantarilla took part for the first time. Along the route, floats handed out local produce such as lemons and broad beans, which have become a well-known part of the event.
The parade included animals, showing off local breeds, another nod to the region’s agricultural past. Folklore groups performed along the way, and a group from Valencia joined to thank Murcia for its support after the DANA floods.
By the evening, the city was still busy, with gatherings and music continuing in different areas. For many, the Bando extends well into the early hours.
After 175 years, the Bando de la Huerta is still celebrated much the same way. While there are bigger, more famous festivals in Spain, like Sevilla’s Feria de Abril, being at the Bando feels like stepping back in time. It’s authentic, sometimes even a little messy, but it’s all about spending time with friends and family.
Today, it’s celebrated more than ever and remains one of the most important dates of the year in Murcia. Just like the city itself, it’s a little undiscovered, but once you experience it, you won’t forget it.
And this is just the start of Murcia’s Spring Festival. Keep an eye out for more information and don’t miss the famous Burial of the Sardine.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia
Address
Plaza Cardenal Belluga. Edificio Ayuntamiento 30004 MURCIATel: 968 358 749
Oficina de Turismo de Murcia
For dedicated Murcia City section with exhibition and cultural programmes and general tourism information, Click MURCIA CITY.
The Tourist office in Plaza Belluga is the main tourist office for the city and is conveniently located opposite the Cathedral and close to the Glorieta underground car parking.
The tourist office is open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 7pm and Sundays from 10am to 2pm
Telephone number: 968 358 749
Click for map, Plaza Belluga Murcia
Tourist information points:
Santa Clara
Maps of the city and leaflets are also available from the Tourist Information point in Calle Santa Clara, which is just behind the Teatro Romea and close to the Plaza de Santo Domingo.
This is open from Monday to Friday from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 8.30pm and on Sundays and Festival days from 10am to 2pm.
Click for map, Calle Santa Clara.
Information point Juan Carlos I
Avda. Juan Carlos I. In the ground level of the Pabellón Principe de Asturias.
Opening Time : From Monday to Friday, 4.30pm to 8.30pm and Saturdays 10am to 2pm
Click for map, Avenida Juan Carlos I, Murcia
Information point Jardin de Floridablanca ( from beginning of June 2014)
Jardín de Floridablanca,
This information point is being co-operated with the commercial association representing the area and will give information in English and Spanish between the hours of 4.30pm to 8.30pm from Monday to Friday, from 10am to 2pm and 4.30pm and 8.30pm on Saturdays, then 10am to 2pm on Sundays.
Click for map, Jardín de Floridablanca, Murcia
Murcia city is the capital city of the Region of Murcia and has a wide tourism offering, both in the urban centre and in the natural parklands and fertile orchards which surround it. The city owes its existence to the River Segura which attracted the earliest settlers to the river valley, with Iberian remains at the Sanctuary of la Luz, Roman agricultural settlements at Monteagudo, La Alberca and Murtia, then the city itself founded by the Moors in 825AD.
The remains of the past can be seen in the Murcia Archaeological Museum, the Museo de la Ciudad, The Watermill Museum, the Muralla de Santa Eulalia and the Monastery of Santa Clara. As time moved on, Murcia grew into a splendid Baroque City, its magnificent Cathedral, Iglesia de San Juan de Dios and Salzillo Museum reflecting this era of splendour.
The city is rich in traditions, Semana Santa, the Bando de la Huerta, Burning of the sardine, Fiestas de la 
Primavera, Moors and Christians celebrations adding to the annual Jazz Festival, Folk Festival, Murcia Tres Culturas and many other musical and cultural events to be enjoyed by visitors to the city.
It also has many natural parks and public spaces, as well as the Terra Natura Wildlife park, and its pedanías a varied offering of walking and river sports activities, as well as providing a central base from which to explore the Region of Murcia.
The new International Airport of the Region of Murcia also lies within the Murcian pedanía of Corvera, and the city is well connected via rail and major road networks.
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