El Bando de la Huerta

EIt is the Murcian Fiesta par excellence. It is always celebrated on the first Tuesday after Easter and it opens the Spring Fiestas.

In the most important squares and parks, during the days before the parade, the groups or "peñas" of huertanos, or people from the Huerta, mount their famous "barracas" where you can find the traditional Murcian dishes. You also have the opportunity to enjoy folkloric performances and see the old houses and customs of the Huerta, recreated by the "peñas". In order not to forget our "Huertano" past, the peñas huertanas play a major part in the proceedings and take significant names such as La Seda (The Silk), El Tablacho (dam gate), La Esparteña (typical huertano shoe), El Zaragüel (typical huertano trousers), El Azahar (orange blossom), etc.

The day of the Bando is an explosion of colour and joy in which the whole of the city and the Huerta takes part, either in the parades or as a member of the public. No visitor can fail to be moved by the fun and merry making and feel happy to be taking part in such a great event.

On this day, the city becomes a unique Huerta in which tens of thousands of people of all ages go to the streets in their regional costumes: for him, the zaragüelles, waistcoats and monteras (huertano cap), and for her, the beautiful refajos (skirts), aprons and shawls.

The parade began in the 19th century when a group of huertanos, led by their Mayor, went to the city to protest about shortages. They paraded in a large group made up of carts and horses ridden by young men offering home-grown products. The passing of time has turned it into the coming together of the huertanos and the city dwellers, in order to pay homage to the Huerta.

The day begins early with a floral offering to the Virgin of the Fuensanta, patron of the city, left in front of the Baroque facade of the Cathedral. After this, people walk through the streets and squares and visit the Barracas in order to enjoy the typical huertano products. In the afternoon, the parade sets off from the Infante Don Juan Manuel neighbourhood and moves through the centre of the city, handing out the products which fill their floats.

More information in www.fiestasdemurcia.com