September 6 to 8 Virgen de las Huertas international folk festival in Lorca

Groups from four continents take part in an event coinciding with the Feria Chica in Lorca

Local festivities throughout Spain frequently feature folk dancing, so there is nothing unusual about the fact that there is a folk festival including in the programme of events during the Feria Chica in Lorca in early September, but this one is slightly different in that it is the most international of all such events in the Region of Murcia (according to a Town Hall press release).

From 6th to 8th September the groups taking part come not only from Spain but also from as far afield as Ecuador, France, Georgia, Guinea-Bissau and Mexico, making this a true celebration of various different cultures from four continents.

The programme int he Plaza del Rey Sabio, outside the sanctuary of Santa María la Real de las Huertas, is as follows:

Sunday September 6

18.30: Official reception for the groups taking part in the 36^th Festival Internacional de Folklore Virgen de las Huertas at the Palacio de Guevara.

21.00: Homage to the nations taking part in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

21.30: First session of the festival in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

Monday September 7

10.00: Tourist visit to the historic city centre of Lorca.

18.00: The groups perform for the residents at various care homes in Lorca.

20.30: “Baila con nosotros”, more music and dancing on the Alameda Virgen de las Huertas and in the Parque del Espejico.

Tuesday September 8

21.30: Second gala performance in the Plaza Rey Sabio.

23.30: Closing ceremony and fireworks.

Image: Coros y Danzas Virgen de las Huertas

For more local information about Lorca, including news and what’s on, enquire at the tourist office (Palacio de Guevara, telephone 968 441914, email lorcaturismo@lorca.es, or visit the home page of Lorca Today.