Thousands filled the streets for Murcia's 175th Bando de la Huerta

The Bando de la Huerta is one of the main days of Murcia's Spring Festival, celebrating the region's traditions, food and agricultural heritage

Murcia came out in force yesterday for the Bando de la Huerta, which this year marked its 175th anniversary. It is considered to be the main day of Murcia's Spring Festivals, it draws large crowds every year, and this time was no different. From early morning, the city gradually filled, with people heading into the city centre to spend the day outdoors with friends and family and take part in a long-standing local tradition.

The day began in Plaza del Cardenal Belluga with the Misa Huertana, a traditional open-air mass held in honour of the Virgen de la Fuensanta, the patron saint of Murcia. Hundreds gathered in front of the Cathedral for the service, which was followed by a short procession through the city centre.

But around late morning, parks, gardens and squares were already filling up for the real fun. Groups arrived early to find a space and settle in for the day, bringing food, drinks and everything they needed to stay there all day. Lots of people wore traditional huertano outfits, which show off the region’s farming roots.

Food is a big part of the Bando, and much of it centres on the barracas. These are like temporary open-air restaurants run by local groups, set up across the city during the festival. This year, there were 39 in total, serving typical Murcian dishes at set prices. Popular options included grilled meats, sausages, zarangollo, made with courgette, onion and egg, and michirones, a slow-cooked bean stew. As well as paparajotes, a dessert made using lemon leaves coated in batter and sugar. As expected, queues formed early and remained throughout the day.

Streets such as Alfonso X were packed, acting as a central point where people pass through or meet others. In the parks, families and groups of friends spend hours together, often sharing food and drinks. The day isn’t planned or structured like many other festivals throughout Spain, and this is part of the charm. This is what gives it an authentic feel that people like.

The main parade began at 5:00pm and attracted large crowds along its route as usual. More than 80 floats took part this year, many organised by local peñas, which are social groups that play an important role in maintaining the tradition. The floats are designed to show life in the huerta, the fertile agricultural land surrounding Murcia city, and often include scenes showing traditional work and daily life from the past.

To mark the 175th anniversary, a historical-style carriage pulled by horses was included in the parade, and the Museo de la Huerta de Alcantarilla took part for the first time. Along the route, floats handed out local produce such as lemons and broad beans, which have become a well-known part of the event.

The parade included animals, showing off local breeds, another nod to the region’s agricultural past. Folklore groups performed along the way, and a group from Valencia joined to thank Murcia for its support after the DANA floods.

By the evening, the city was still busy, with gatherings and music continuing in different areas. For many, the Bando extends well into the early hours.

After 175 years, the Bando de la Huerta is still celebrated much the same way. While there are bigger, more famous festivals in Spain, like Sevilla’s Feria de Abril, being at the Bando feels like stepping back in time. It’s authentic, sometimes even a little messy, but it’s all about spending time with friends and family.

Today, it’s celebrated more than ever and remains one of the most important dates of the year in Murcia. Just like the city itself, it’s a little undiscovered, but once you experience it, you won’t forget it.

And this is just the start of Murcia’s Spring Festival. Keep an eye out for more information and don’t miss the famous Burial of the Sardine.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia