MURCIA FAIR

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.
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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.es