Yecla Fiestas de la Virgen declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest
The centuries-old celebration in Yecla joins Spain’s most prestigious fiestas with international recognition
The mayor of Yecla, Maria Remedios Lajara, has officially received the diploma declaring the town’s Fiestas de la Virgen in honour of the Immaculate Conception as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. The presentation took place at the Teatro Real in Madrid, where representatives of ten Spanish festivals came together to mark this prestigious recognition.
Spain is renowned for its many local fiestas, some of which appear quite unusual to visitors from elsewhere in Europe, and the Fiestas de la Virgen in Yecla are certainly among them. Held every December, they are remarkable for their volume, to the point that the most important advice given to newcomers is simply: do not forget to take earplugs.
Many of the traditions in these fiestas date back to around 400 years ago, and for this reason the noisy weapon of choice which is fired (not in anger) in the streets is the arquebus. Over 700 "tiraores" (shooters) and “cargaores” (loaders) accompany the figure of the Virgen in procession through the streets and the proceedings are absolutely dominated by the pungent smell of gunpowder, the flare of fire and the overwhelming crack of gunshots.This year, four festivals have been recognised internationally. Alongside the Fiestas de la Virgen of Yecla, the Moors and Christians of Murcia and the Holy Week celebrations in both Baena and Badajoz were also awarded international status. In addition, six other festivals from across Spain have been named as Festivals of National Tourist Interest.
At the ceremony in Madrid, the mayor of Yecla spoke on behalf of the four festivals newly distinguished as being of international interest.She said: "Our festivals are a reflection of a Spain that we should all preserve, because one of the greatest characteristics of this country is its diversity. And in that diversity lies respect and admiration not only for our own, which is assumed to be the case for everyone, but also respect and admiration for the roots and unique characteristics of others."
She also stressed that the Fiestas de la Virgen are much more than a historical relic, a ritual, a religious act or a recreational festivity. In her words, Yecla in December offers a glimpse into the inner life and soul of the people of Yecla, both today and yesterday.If visiting Yecla make sure one of your first ports of call is the tourist office (Plaza Mayor, 1, email turismo@yecla.es, telephone 968 754104).
For more local events, news 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
