ARCHIVED - 26th April to 5th May 2019 Los Mayos fiestas in Alhama de Murcia: full programme

The main Mayos days in Alhama de Murcia  are 4^th and 5^th May

Alhama de Murcia celebrates its annual Los Mayos festivities at the beginning of May, combining local traditions with entertainment and fun for the whole family.

This year there have been quite a few modifications to the programme, so even if you're familiar with the fiesta it's worth checking the full programme below!

Throughout Spain and the rest of Europe, May Day celebrates the spring and the arrival of a period of fertility and abundance. Its roots lie firmly in the pagan past, although it was naturally absorbed into the Christian faith as it became more widespread and many of its rituals adapted to Christianity.

The May celebrations in Alhama de Murcia are called Los Mayos, and were declared as being of National Tourism Interest earlier this year due in part to the unique traditions at their core.

There are three distinct elements of the celebrations in Alhama which have evolved to become a singular fiesta within the region, a fiesta which attracts not only thousands of visitors from the Spanish community but is also extremely popular with the ex-pat visitors on account of its vibrancy and range of activities.

Las Cruces de Mayo

The roots of these traditions can be found in Pagan fiestas celebrated across Europe around this time, rituals which focused on the feminine and the relationship with the sacred female figure of fertility, Mother Nature or the Earth Goddess, with flowers representing fertility and abundance, dressing sacred places, making offerings and giving thanks for the fruitfulness of the earth.

As Christianity spread, these traditions were adapted to celebrate the Virgin Mary and throughout Spain she is honoured today with the Cruces de Mayo. These are crosses dressed with flowers which are displayed in conjunction with plants and religious tokens, a tradition which is very much a part of the Alhama celebrations, with beautifully decorated floral crosses proudly displayed in homes and public places throughout the town, which can be visited and admired as part of the Los Mayos.

The Crosses are displayed early in the week and remain in place until the end of the fiestas.

La Plantá, the "planting" of figures

Again, this tradition has its roots in the pagan past, with the symbolic burning and cleansing act of seeing out the old and bringing in the new. Representative figures would be made of whatever materials were available with symbolic messages which could be ‘cleansed" at the end of the festival as an act of renewal and regeneration.

There are many celebrations worldwide in which figures are used symbolically to represent this concept, and in Alhama the act of creating figures emerged into a tradition which dates back certainly to the beginning of the twentieth century and very probably much further.

Figures are made from fabrics, stuffed with whatever is available, nowadays mainly straw, dressed and set in scenes which represent everyday life, so all around the town displays are created which show residents involved in traditional activities; sitting sewing outside their houses, working in their gardens, or just chatting to each other.

They're charming and homely, allied with a satirical twist, as many bear posters which poke fun at local political figures, confront topical issues and put across a point of view about social subjects, airing them in a way which makes an otherwise uncomfortable topic a point of discussion.

There's great pride in mounting these displays, and they're hidden away from public view until the day of the Plantá. This year, instead of being "planted " at night, the figures can be set out from 18.00 onwards on the Saturday evening, remaining in place all day Sunday, and giving visitors and townsfolk a chance to see them at a leisurely pace. Sunday is dedicated to visiting them all, either on foot or in the tourist train, and it is also possible to complete the tour by bicycle. Probably the best option is to take the tourist train, which is a fun part of the whole experience, and can then go back on foot to see any Mayos which particularly caught their attention.

Maps can be picked up from the Tourist office, where tickets are on sale for the tourist train which runs in a continuous loop from opposite the office itself. They're inexpensive at around a euro a time and save a lot of walking.

Tickets can only be purchased on the day of the Mayos itself, and the train stops for lunch, so be aware of this when planning a visit.

The Corremayos

This is the third element of the festivals.

Again it has pagan roots in that the young men of a town used to go out early and dress the homes of the girls with flowers, and tended to roam around together on May Day causing havoc.

This has evolved into the Corremayos, who dress in harlequin jester costumes, vibrantly coloured and with appropriate headwear, and roam around in large groups visiting the planted figures. As in most fiestas, they carry out what is called a Pasacalles, which is literally roaming around the streets but is in fact more of a procession in which they are accompanied by musicians and musical groups.

There are two of these in Alhama, on the Saturday night and the Sunday morning, and it is well worth going along to see the explosion of colour as they fill the streets with noise and celebration. On the main day of the celebrations, lots of townspeople wander around dressed in their Corremayos costumes and there are usually a few on sale for those who don´t have one!

Locations

The Plaza de la Constitución is the centre of most activities, which is where you'll find the tourist office and Town Hall. Opposite them is the Parque La Cubana, in the centre of which is the Auditorio Municipal (an open air auditorium), and then at the far end the Recinto Ferial with a big fairground and children’s area.

There is parking beneath the Plaza del Ayuntamiento but it’s likely to be busy, so it’s advisable to park around the back of the park and walk through it.

The full program of events during the 2019 Los Mayos fiestas in Alhama de Murcia is as follows:

10th to 12th may, Medieval market

Throughout the weekend following the main Los Mayos celebrations, Alhama de Murcia holds a medieval market in the centre of the town, offering a wide range of artisan goods, entertainment for all the family, and of course, food. This is located in the Plaza de la Constitución, which is in front of the main town hall.

The market is always a good quality event, with a varied range of artisan stalls selling quality hand-crafted artisan products and artisan gastronomic treats. There is normally a good range of products such as handmade cosmetics and natural soaps, ceramics, honey, delicatessen products and artisan cheeses, jewellery, leatherwork, children’s toys, woodwork and more.

The official opening is at 19.00 on Friday 10th May, when it remains open until 22.00, and on the Saturday and Sunday opening hours are 11.00 to 14.30 and 17.00 to 22.00.

Thursday 25th April

20.30: Inauguration of a photographic exhibition entitled "California Island" by José Miguel Sáez. In the El Pósito exhibitions centre until the 31st May.

Friday 26^th April

21.00: Theatre aimed at an adult and juvenile audience entitled "Otro Quijote Más?". Venue: Teatro Cine Velasco. Tickets 8 euros in advance from the Archaeological Museum or 10 euros on the door.

Saturday 27th April

21.00: Free circus street theatre by Sinergia 3.0 in the atrium of the church, Iglesia de San Lázaro.

Tuesday 30th April

10.00: Opening of an exhibition showing the various posters which were entered in the competition to choose the fiesta poster. In the Casa de la Cultura until 5th May.

21.00: Free entry children's theatre in the Parque Cubana in the area alongside the open-air auditorium. " Lady and the Tramp"

Wednesday 1st May

11.30: the Los Mayos Concurso de Arroces, or paella-making competition, in the Recinto Ferial. This is held every year as part of the fiestas, with participants preparing rice dishes for their family and friends to enjoy.

The council provides rice, a drink and firewood and participants must supply the remaining ingredients, and prizes of up to 100€ are awarded for the best dishes. Registration in the Casa de la Cultura (the white building on the opposite side of the road to the Town Hall) before the 27^th April at 14.30.

12.30: Live pop music in the Recinto Ferial from The Wrong Way.

16.00: Foam party in the Parque de la Cubana! Bring a towel, put on your bathing kit and party in the foam to the beat of disco music. The party takes place in the former children's road safety training park.

Thursday 2nd May

22.00 Canto a la Cruz de los Mayos. The folk group Grupo Folclórico "Villa de Alhama" sing a welcome to the Crosses of May. Location: Calle Alfonso X el Sabio, nº 35.

Friday 3rd May, Day of the Crosses of May

17.00 The jury visit the locations of all the crosses registered to take part in the competition for the best Crosses of May. The crosses will then remain open for visits from the public throughout the evening.

18.30: Free guided tour of the Cruces de Mayo on the tourist train, stopping at each one. The tour starts at the main bus stop in Alhama, and prior registration is strongly advised at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985) as spaces on the train are limited.

20.00: An exhibition in the Jardín de los Patos is inaugurated "Los Mayos de los Corremayos Mayores salen a la calle." This remains in situ until 5th May.

20.30: An exhibition called "Marinas" by María Dolores Andreo is inaugurated in the Archaeological Museum Los Baños. This remains in situ until 2nd June.

21.30: XIX Alhama en Concierto Folk . Live folk mmusic from the Murcian group TÜA and Galician group Luar na Lubre.In the Parque Cubana. Entry free of charge.

Saturday 4^th May

11.00: Free guided tour of the Los Baños archaeological museum: registration is required at the tourist office (968 633512) or the museum itself (968 630776) and via turismoalhamademurcia.es.

10.30: Free guided tour of the Cruces de Mayo on the tourist train, stopping at each one. The tour starts at the main bus stop in Alhama, and prior registration is strongly advised at the Oficina de Festejos in the Casa de la Cultura (968 631985).

15.00 to 18.00: The Mayos can be seen as people begin to set them up in the streets and plazas of the town. From 15:00 onwards the tourist train begins its paid tours of Los Mayos, priced at  1 euro. These continue until 20:00 with the train departing from outside the municipal auditorium opposite the town hall.

09.30 and 11.30: Free guided visit in the castle where a historical recreation can also be seen; "ALHAMA, UN CASTILLO MEDIEVAL DE FRONTERA"

A free guided tour of Alhama de Murcia castle (in Spanish) with historical recreation inside the castle.
Visit times: 09.30 and 11.30
Duration: 90 minutes approximately
Price: free of charge
Prior registration required in the municipal archaeological museum, the Museo Arqueológico Los Baños (968 630 776) and online via turismo.alhamademurcia.es.
Departure point: from the Museo Arqueológico Los Baños.

From 15.00 to 20:00 the tourist train is running from outside the municipal auditorium, visiting the Mayos. 1 euro a ticket.

18.30: Mayos make-up workshop for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.

18.30: Zumba masterclass in the Plaza de la Constitución: make sure you wear your Corremayos costume!

19.00: Corremayos stilts workshop for children in the Plaza de la Constitución.

19.00 to 21.00: the tourist office is running an information point outside the office itself where maps, programmes, hat pins etc can be collected. This will continue all day Sunday as well.

21:00: Presentation of the 2018 Corremayo Mayor - the chief Corremayo - at the doors of the Town Hall in the Plaza de la Constitución.

21.15: The Corremayos parade is accompanied by live music from Malvariche, with thousands of people dressed in their colourful jester outfits. Route: Avenida de la Constitución, Juan Carlos I, La Feria, Corredera, San Francisco Javier, Plaza del Nazareno, Avenida Constantino López, Rambla Don Diego, Recinto Ferial.

23.30 The main Los Mayos concert takes place, with music from La Pegatina in the Parque La Cubana. Entry is free of charge.

01.00: DJ Los Mayos May Fest in the Parque de la Cubana, with performances by Beauty Brain, Qwert,Miguel Bastida,Alex Mele,Enzo,Tachman,Groove Kids and Mirlo.

Sunday 5^th May: The day of Los Mayos

Throughout the day the Mayos can be visited either on foot or via the tourist train (starting at 9.30 and running in a continuous loop, price 1 euro). The train departs from the Avenida de la Constitución by the municipal auditorium and tourist office and a stand in front of the tourist office will hand out maps for all those who come along. It’s easy to see some of the Mayos on foot and is great fun to take the tourist train and see all those in outlying areas of the town.

The tourist office stand will be seling the 2019 pin from outside the tourist office between 10.00 to 18.00 and handing out maps.

09.30 to 20.00: The Zoco Alhama artisan market in Parque La Cubana, selling a wide variety of hand-crafted items.

09.30 and 11.30: “Alhama, un Castillo Medieval de Frontera”: a free guided tour and historical recreation at the castle of Alhama de Murcia (in Spanish). Prior registration is required at the Museo Arqueológico Los Banos (968 630776) or online via turismo.alhamademurcia.es. Departure from the archaeological museum.

10.00: The judges tour the Mayos to choose the winners.

10.30: Alhama en Concierto Folk: the Encuentro de Cuadrillas. The folk music continues on Sunday as a number of Cuadrillas (groups who perform the traditional Murcia folk music) set out on foot from the Plaza de la Constitución to visit the different Mayos set up around the town, playing as they go.

This year the cuadrillas taking part are the ones based in La Costera, El Berro, Aledo, Nerpio and Torre Aguera.

10.35: The Corremayos set off for another parade around the Mayos, accompanied by the musical charangas of "Poyavés" and “Charandonga”. The parade starts in Plaza de la Constitución, and along the route invitations will be handed out to the Corremayos dressed in their costumes to be given priority during the scrum for free paella at lunchtime!

13.00: Alhama en Concierto Folk: the Encuentro de Cuadrillas in the plaza de abastos marketplace.

14.30: The giant paella is served in the Parque La Cubana, with preference being given to those in jester costume who were handed invitations during the morning parade. Others have to take pot luck! Venue: Recinto Ferial.

17.00: The Cuadrillas perform in the plaza de abastos marketplace. Running Order:

17:00  Cuadrilla del ‘Tío Román’, from Nerpio.
17:40 . Cuadrilla de El Berro.
18:00 . Cuadrilla Trovera ‘El Laúd’, con la música de la cuadrilla de El Berro.
18:30 . Cuadrilla de Torreagüera.
19:15 . Cuadrilla de La Costera.
 

17.30: Bicycle tour of the Mayos begin, organized by the Club Ciclista "Sierra Espuña". The tour starts in Plaza de la Constitución: bring your own bike!

20.00: Prizes are awarded for the best Mayos and Crosses of May in the Plaza de abastos marketplace.

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