August 15 The procession of the Virgen del Cisne in Lorca
This advocation of the Virgin Mary is most strongly associated with the Catholic faith in Ecuador
It has become a tradition in the city of Lorca in recent years for the religious holiday of Assumption Day to be celebrated with a procession of the figure of the Virgen del Cisne, and this year the event is taking place for the 25th time on the national holiday which always occurs in Spain on August 15.
The Virgen del Cisne (literally Our Lady of the Swan) owes her name not to any resemblance to the aquatic bird but because it is an advocation of the Virgin Mary which has its roots in the town of El Cisne in Ecuador. It is said that the figure of the Virgen was found in 1594 in the River Catamayo and there is now a Basilica in her name in the town.
In 1440 a military-religious Order of the Knights of the Swan was founded by Frederick II of Prussia with its base in Brandenburg.
While the Virgen del Cisne is most commonly revered in Ecuador, the large number of South American migrants living in and around Lorca has doubtless contributed to her popularity in the area over the last quarter of a century, and the figure which is housed in the church of San Mateo will be carried in procession via Calles Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Cuesta de San Francisco, Plaza de la Concordia, Alfonso X el Sabio, Fernando el Santo and Selgas to the Plaza de España.
Among the events scheduled during the day are the following:
8.00: A noisy wake-up call for the locals with music and bells in the streets!
10.00: The doors of the church are opened to the faithful, pilgrims and onlookers and a floral tribut eis offered.
18.00: Mass in honour of the Virgen del Cisne in the church of San Mateo.
19.00: The “Serentata” to the Virgin is sung and the procession of the holy image begins. Route: Lope Gisbert, Príncipe Alfonso, Cuesta de San Francisco, Plaza de la Concordia, Alfonso X el Sabio, Fernando el Santo, Selgas, Plaza de España. (Roads will be closed to traffic during the evening)
20.00: Dance groups are presented and perform in the Plaza de España.
22.00: The traditional burning of the “mad cow” is accompanied by fireworks and partying.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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