Yecla seeks urgent relief as drought takes its toll
The Spanish government has been urged to declare Yecla a Catastrophe Zone
The July plenary session of Yecla Town Hall saw all municipal groups uniting in a joint motion, calling on the Spanish Government to declare Yecla a Disaster Zone due to the dire climatic emergency caused by a severe lack of rain. The northern Murcia municipality faces an extreme drought, with parched dry-land farms bearing the brunt – cereal crops, olive groves, vineyards and almond trees are suffering the most.
The motion urges the central government and the Region of Murcia to provide urgent financial aid to support the agricultural sector, alleviating the devastating effects of the drought.
Meanwhile, a total of 846,247 euros in extraordinary credits and credit supplements has already been shaved off the surplus from last year, with 100,000 euros dedicated to reducing municipal debt.
The surplus funds will also enhance infrastructure, with 90,000 allocated for rural road conditioning, 45,000 for paving and 48,000 euros for sewerage network upgrades.
The investment section includes a variety of projects, such as installing shade in the 'García Lorca' park, new lighting in the Juan Palao sports complex, acquiring the Tani photographic archive, installing changing rooms at the San Cayetano market and constructing a new beach volleyball court in the Los Rosales complex.
The plenary session also approved continued support for the Association for the Rehabilitation of Problems with Alcohol, Drugs and Other Addictive Behaviors (ARY). The association received justification for the use of the 2023 annual subsidy of 25,500 euros and a draft collaboration agreement for continued support in 2024 and 2025, with an estimated subsidy of another 25,500 euros for each year.
This money will cover the costs of rent and maintenance of the group’s headquarters in Yecla, as well as funding its programmes and vital work in the community.
Finally, budget increases were also approved for the departments of Social Policy, Sports, Youth and Celebrations, all investments that aim to improve the lives of Yecla's residents and provide much-needed support.
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
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
