September 4 to 8 Feria Chica fiestas in Lorca in honour of the Virgen de las Huertas

The first of two September Ferias in Lorca features live concerts and a procession commemorating one of the legends of Lorca's history

Every September the city of Lorca holds two “ferias” or fairs, the larger of which takes place at the end of the month, although for many locals the more significant one is centred around September 8, which is the feast day of the Virgen de las Huertas (the patron of Lorca).

This year’s events at the “Feria Chica” (the little fair) take place between September 4 and 8 and are based at the church of the Virgen de las Huertas, just outside the city centre on the "other" side of the Rambla, and in the square outside. This square is named Plaza del Rey Sabio after Alfonso X of Castilla, who conquered Lorca from the Moors, allegedly with the help of the divine intervention of the Virgen de las Huertas, in 1244 (see map).

A Franciscan monastery and church were built on this spot after Prince Alfonso, later King Alfonso X El Sabio, set up camp here before entering and "liberating" the city in 1244, with the express intention that it should house a figure of the Virgin Mary which was especially dear to him.

The program for the 2026 festivities includes the following, with all events taking place in the Plaza del Rey Sabio (where stalls are open selling refreshments every evening) unless otherwise stated:

Friday September 4

10.00: The figure of the Saint is on display all day at the Santuario Virgen de las Huertas.

19.00: The fairground attractions open.

21.30: The official opening speech is given by Santos Campoy García.

22.30: Apache in concert in the Plaza Rey Sabio, followed by DJ music.

Saturday September 5

9.00, 11.30, 21.30, 22.30: Visits to the Palacio Califal to see the figure of the patron of Lorca and some of her ceremonial accoutrements.

22.00: DJ music in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

22.30: Merche in concert in the Plaza Rey Sabio, followed by DJ music.

Sunday September 6

9.00 to 20.00: 12^th annual gathering of classic motor vehicles at the IFELOR venue and 5^th Auto Retro fair.

10.00: Traditional community bicycle ride in memory of Clemente Martínez Muñuera, starting at the Estanco el Quijero.

10.00 to 12.00 and 21.30 to 22.30: Visits to the Palacio Califal to see the figure of the patron of Lorca and some of her ceremonial accoutrements.

20.00: Children’s entertainment in the Plaza Rey Sabio with magician Pedro Lucas.

21.30: The 36 annual Festifolk festival begins with the opening gala.

Monday September 7

18.30: Bizcocho cake competition in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

20.00: Mass is followed by a floral offering to the Virgen de las Huertas.

21.30: Outcrack in concert in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

22.30: Liberto Rabal in concert in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

23.15: Migas competition at the Centro Social.

23.30: Cucaña, a competition to walk a greased pole outside the Santuario.

The Serenade of the Patron of Lorca, with participants, La Aljucereña, El Andaluz, El Cardoso I, El Cardoso II, El Cardoso III and El Marqués, with guitarist Antonio Micol and the Cuadrilla de Santa Gertrudis. Venue: Plaza Rey Sabio.

00.30: Festival Joven in the Plaza Rey Sabio with DJ music.

Tuesday September 8

6.00: The early Mass at the Santuario Virgen de las Huertas.

After the 19.00 Mass, Procession of Santa María la Real de las Huertas. Route: Plaza Rey Rabio, Calle Bodegones, Calle Horno, Calle Santa Quiteria, Puente de la Torta, Alameda Virgen de las Huertas, Plaza Rey Sabio. Taking part are the Coros y Danzas de Lorca and Coros y Danzas Virgen de las Huertas groups and the Banda de Música de Lorca.

21.30: The Festifolk festival concludes.

23.30: Firework display in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.