February 1 and 2 Fiestas de la Candelaria in Alhama de Murcia

The Candlemas romería has been held in Alhama for over 200 years

Alhama de Murcia is one of the many towns in Spain to celebrate Candlemas and the feast day of the Virgen de la Candelaria on 2nd February, and has done so for over 200 years, with the main event being a "Romería" in which the figure of the of the Virgen is returned to her sanctuary above the town after being brought down into Alhama on Christmas Day.

The Romeria is part of the fiestas of Candlemas, which is when the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple according to the Gospel of Luke. It has certainly been held in Alhama for at least the last 200 years, and in modern times the level of participation has been growing as more and more old traditions are revived.

The route is a hort one at only about 3 kilometres, and offers an easy walk from the church of San Lázaro to the chapel known in the Paraje del Collao, between the hill on which the castle of Alhama stands and the mountains behind. On the evening before the big day, Mass is held in the parish church of La Concepción before the Virgen is transferred to San Lázaro. 

The events scheduled in 2025 inclkude the following: 

Saturday February 1

19.30: Choral Mass in the Iglesia de la Concepción with the Edad de Oro group, followed by the procession of the figure of the Virgin to the church of San Lázaro (along Rambla D. Diego, Corredera and Calle La Feria).

The evening closes with the singing of the Serenata de Los Zalameros.

Sunday February 2

10.00: Mass in honour of La Candelaria at the church of San Lázaro with the Cantores de Alhama.

11.00: The Romería with the figure of the Virgen de la Candelaria begins with music on the way provided by Aires de Espuña, Músicos de Sonata and Los Gauchos.

Route: Rambla D. Diego, Rambla San Roque, Ermita del Padre Manuel and up the hill, where Mass is held.

14.00: The traditional communal paella is served!

15.00: Inflatable play area for children.

For more local information in English about Alhama de Murcia including news and what's on go to the home page of Alhama Today.