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ARCHIVED - January 6 Open-air Three Kings play in the Lorca village of Zarzadilla de Totana

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This traditional mystery play has its roots in medieval times and a work from the 18^th century

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - January 6 Open-air Three Kings play in the Lorca village of Zarzadilla de Totana For many people from northern Europe the festive season is already over but in Spain the traditions continue until the arrival of the Three Kings bearing gifts during the night of January 5 and 6, and in the Lorca village of Zarzadilla de Totana, on the high plateau close to the boundary with Andalucía, the traditional “Auto de los Reyes Magos” is being performed at 11.00 in the morning on January 6.

In 2019 this tradition, which originated in the early years of the 20^th century, was reinstated after an absence of 10 years only for the pandemic to force its cancellation ever since, but in 2023 it returns to this village in the foothills of Sierra Espuña with a new venue: the botanical garden of Zarzadilla.

Taking part in the performance, which consists of 147 verses in seven scenes, are 16 local residents, who will be representing both the main biblical characters (Mary, Joseph, the Kings and Herod) and the shepherds, who narrate events through ha series of games, arguments and meals. Later in the day, at 17.00, an auction dance is being held in the “Salón Parroquial”, with all proceeds donated to the AECC cancer research and support charity.

The Auto itself is based on old medieval mystery plays and a work written by the Málaga writer Gaspar Fernández de Ávila in 1784, and as an added attraction those travelling to the village on January 6 will be able to enjoy some of the most spectacular scenery in the Region of Murcia in one of its least visited areas!

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office 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 Tourist Office 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!

Lorca Tourist Office 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.