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Rain and cancelled parades leave Region of Murcia terraces empty
Murcia bars and restaurants are feeling the full effects of a wet and wild Easter week
The dreadful weather that has forced the cancellation of several parades throughout the Region of Murcia is in danger of sinking local bars, restaurants and cafes, who were banking on packed-out terraces during Easter week. Instead, the street-side tables are clear of all but the most hardy customers, and with more gale-force winds forecast for the rest of the week, the avalanche of cancellations is expected to continue.
So far this Semana Santa, Murcia has racked up three days of disappointment. On Palm Sunday, the main parade had to be abandoned mid-way because of the rain and on Monday and Tuesday, the Brotherhood processions were cancelled before they ever left the building because of the driving winds.
But according to the HoyTú Bar Association, pubs and restaurants with outdoor seating began receiving cancellations as early as last weekend when the weather forecast became known, and the group president José María Rubiales estimates that local trade is down by around 50% compared to what was expected.
La lluvia, tan necesaria en Murcia, obliga a tapar las imágenes y volver a San Pedro #SemanaSanta pic.twitter.com/GhlIymYciv
— José Burruezo Espín (@Jose_Burruezo) March 24, 2024
"We hope to be able to make a comeback during the Spring Festival," he said resignedly, although he acknowledged that a change in weather could "destroy" these celebrations too.
The head of the Cartagena Hostecar employer's association, Fran Garnero, was a little more pragmatic, given the extreme drought that hasn’t left a corner of the Region untouched.
"Water gives more than it takes away," he said.
"As a hotelier it annoys me, but let's hope that the price of vegetables drops."
Despite the substantial losses and the possibility of more to come, most establishments have decided against charging customers for premium terrace seats with the best views of the festivities. Bar owners in the likes of Sevilla and Malaga have no such qualms but in the Region of Murcia, Cartagena is the only city charging extra for chairs along the main parade routes.
But while the bars might be feeling the pinch, thousands of people throughout Murcia are still braving the weather and taking to the streets to enjoy the celebrations.
Images: Ayuntamiento de Murcia/Pixabay
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