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Semana Santa brought more visitors to Lorca than ever before
The spectacular biblical parades helped Lorca hotels turning away visitors
Lorca The Semana Santa celebrations in Lorca, which are among the most unique and well-known in the whole of Spain, attracted more visitors than ever in 2026, according to data produced by the Town Hall as the city returns to normal after the Easter festivities.
During the week the number of people making enquiries at the tourist office and the temporary information points rose to a record high of 11,258, of whom 49 per cent were locals, 33 per cent from elsewhere in Spain, 7 per cent from the rest of the Region of Murcia and 11 per cent from other countries. Among the 1,240 non-Spaniards, around 27 per cent (or 335) were from the UK, 21 per cent from France, 14 per cent from Belgium and the Netherlands and 9 per cent from Germany.
As a consequence of the enormous interest generated by the biblical parades and other events, hotels were full to capacity during the latter half of Easter Week, while local bars and restaurants enjoyed a bumper week as visitors treated themselves to the local cuisine as opening hours were extended. For the main parades all of the seats in the stands were sold out, and the result is a considerable boost to the local economy, according to Mayor Fulgencio Gil.
It is also worth pointing out that the tourist office organized twice as many group visits for visitors from Madrid, Barcelona and Valladolid as in 2025, and that the shuttle bus service connecting the city centre with the castle was a great success. The Palacio de Guevara also welcomed large numbers of visitors, the most popular day being Saturday 4th April.
Far from resting on their laurels, though, the organizers and tourist board are already looking forward to welcoming even more visitors in 2027, when Lorca will also be hosting a national meeting of Semana Santa brotherhoods at which groups from all over Spain will be gathering!
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.
Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!
In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.
The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).
Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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