October 10 Lorca celebrates the National Day of the Spanish-Speaking World
The national anthem will be played in the most iconic square of the historic city of Lorca
The public holiday of the National Day of Spain (12th October) falls this year on a Sunday, but in the city of Lorca the annual display of support for the nation and its most important emblems is taking place on the Friday evening in the Plaza de Colón.
This iconic square was actually renamed in memory of Christopher Columbus in 1892, the 400th anniversary of the discovery of the Americas.
The 12th October has been celebrated since that year as the National Fiesta of Spain, since it was then that the Queen Regent María Cristina de Habsburgo-Lorena agreed to a proposal from the president of the government, Antonio Cánovas del Castillo, that it should be chosen in commemoration of the New World. She signed the royal decree on behalf of her son, King Alfonso XIII, and it coincides with the Feast Day of the Virgen del Pilar, who in 1987 was declared the “Patron and Mother of the Spanish-Speaking World” by Pope John Paul II.
The story of the Virgen del Pilar goes right back to the year 40 AD, when it is said that the figure of the Virgin Mary appeared to Saint James the greater while he was preaching the gospel near Zaragoza. She appeared on a pillar of jasper, hence the name given to this apparition.
In Lorca, the council has officially invited everyone to join in the celebration at 19.00 in the centre of the city, where the national anthem will be played (one of the oldest in Europe, having been composed by Manuel de Espinosa in 1761).
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office in the Plaza de España (telephone 968 441914) 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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