Yecla fiestas awarded International Tourist Interest status
The December fiestas in Yecla are renowned for the atmosphere, the enthusiasm and the sounds and smells of gunfire!
Although not much was made of it at the time, congratulations are due to the tourism staff at the Town Hall of Yecla and to the town itself following the decision made in late November 2024 to award the annual fiestas “International Tourist Interest” status.
The “Fiestas de la Virgen en honor a la Purísima Concepción” are held every year in December, the main events falling between the 5th and the 8th, and have been cancelled on only a handful of occasions since they began in 1642 (due to the Civil War and, more recently, the Covid pandemic). Their stand-out characteristics and events include the opening “Beneplácito”, the processions in which the figure of the Virgin is brought down to the town and then back up to her hilltop sanctuary, the drumming, the deafening firing of arquebuses (ancient firearms) and the fervour with which the locals participate and celebrate.
The main procession is held on December 8, the feast day of the Immaculate Conception and a national holiday in Spain.
There are now 13 fiestas in the Region of Murcia holding the distinction of “International Tourist Interest” status, the others being:
Semana Santa in Cieza
Semana Santa in Jumilla
Semana Santa in Lorca
Semana Santa in Murcia
Semana Santa in Cartagena
The Night of the Drums in Mula
The Fiestas of the Cartagineses y Romanos in Cartagena
The Carnival of Águilas
The Bando de la Huerta in Murcia
The Entierro de la Sardina in Murcia
The Cante de las Minas flamenco festival in La Unión, and
The Fiestas of the Santísima y Vera Cruz in Caravaca.
In total there are 83 such annual events in Spain, and among the 17 regions the only ones with more events in this category are the Comunidad Valenciana and Galicia.
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
