The fair, celebrated in
the first fortnight of September, was granted by King Alfonso
X the Wise, and takes in a wide range of celebrations. For
example, the fun fair, the bullfighting fair, the cattle
fair, the Moors and Christians fiesta, the "Tunas"
festival, the International Mediterranean Folklore Festival
and the Great "Romería" (pilgrimage) to
accompany the patron Virgin on her way to her mountain sanctuary.
Moors and Christians. The Moorish and Christian camps
are set up and they parade through the city with their army.
In this way, we commemorate the founding of Murcia by the
Moors and the conquest of the city by Alfonso X the Wise.
Their eye-catching clothing together with the gun powder
and the music, add a touch of historical colour to the September
Fair.
The "Tunas" Festival. It has been celebrated
since 1988 and Tunas come from all over Spain and even outside
to compete. Performances, parades, serenades, etc, give
the city a student atmosphere.
The Mediterranean Folklore Festival. Processions
and performances in the street and indoors create, by way
of this cultural display, friendship between the Mediterranean
people.
The "Romerías" (pilgrimage) to the
Virgin of the Fuensanta deserve especial mention. Twice
a year, in spring and September, the Virgin comes to the
city from her mountain sanctuary and is accompanied on her
journey back from the Cathedral.
The first written document regarding this image, to which
the infant Jesus by Salzillo was later added, is from the
15th century. With a historical devotion she was brought
to protect the city. Also, because of the War of Independence
she was made "General" in the Cathedral, and the
Supreme Council of the Kingdom of Murcia bestowed on her
the deep red sash of the general and the baton of command.
The September "Romería" is extremely
well attended, as well as historical. It commemorates the
solemn coronation of the Virgin. The day the Virgin returns
is always a local holiday in the city's calendar, which,
together with the great participation and rejoicing, turns
it into one of the most important holidays in Murcia.
More information in www.fiestasdemurcia.com
