Festivals
There are many different festivals and celebrations throughout the region. The following are just a taster of what is on offer:
Carnival
There are colourful processions in most towns and villages in anticipation of the arrival of Lent, although the grandest and most famous takes place in Aguilas in the south of the region.
Easter Week
The Easter celebrations in Cartagena are renowned throughout Spain for their emotive processions and stunning embroidered costumes with hoods. The processions are organised by four principal cofradías (fraternities) and numerous sub-groups, some dating back as early as the 16th century, each with its own history and traditions.
Lorca's Easter festivities are marked by their colourful horse parades, while Murcia is most famous for its religious images by the sculptor Salzillo.
'Cante de las Minas' Flamenco Festival
Every August, the nearby mining town of La Unión plays host to the world's most important flamenco song festival, known as the Festival del Cante de las Minas (Song of the Mines Festival). The town's historic, modernist market building brings together some of Spain's best-known flamenco singers as well as young artists, all vying to take away the coveted awards for the best flamenco singer, dancer or guitarist.
Carthaginians and Romans Festival
During the second half of September, the normally tranquil citizens of Cartagena don their tunics and togas to re-enact events which took place between 223 BC, when the city was founded by General Asdrubal, and 209 BC, when the city fell to the Romans. During the festivities, thousands of local people head for the streets dressed in typical costumes from the period, representing the famous personalities, the different social groups, the Carthaginian troops and the Roman legions who played a part in the city's history.
There are numerous events during the festival, including a Roman circus and the wedding of the Iberian Princess Himilce and the intrepid Carthaginian General Hannibal. After each of these events, the crowds head for the 'camp' where the different groups have their own 'field headquarters' and a party atmosphere is guaranteed.
