November 10 to 19 Annual Fiestas del Milagro in Bolnuevo in Mazarron

"Sardine Sunday" on the beach of Bolnuevo falls on November 19 this year!

The coastal village of Bolnuevo in the municipality of Mazarrón is holding its 2023 Fiestas del Milagro between November 10 and 19 this year, with the celebrations once again revolving around the miraculous events which saved the town from attack by Berber pirates in 1585.

For most people the highlights of the fiestas are the “Romerías”, in which the figure of the Virgen del Milagro is carried first from Bolnuevo to Mazarrón and then, a week later, back to her sanctuary in Bolnuevo, and the final day on the beach, when everyone comes together for a sardine barbecue known by some British expats as Sardine Sunday".

However, there are many other events scheduled in Bolnuevo and the town of Mazarrón during the Fiestas, and the the official fiestas program for 2023 is as follows:

Friday November 10

The “Virgen del Milagro” tapas route begins, running until Sunday November 19 (click here for further details).

21.30: The official opening speech is given in the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo by Isabel María Noguera Hernández, with musical entertainment from pianist Federico Tomás.

Saturday November 11

11.00: A cultural tour at the Torre de los Caballos explaining the history of the Miracle of Bolnuevo IN ENGLISH. Click here for further details or contact the tourist office.

17.00: A dramatized version of the same cultural tour is offered in Spanish, booking details here.

21.30: A tribute concert to El Barrio by Xavivi Ribera & Band at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo, followed by DJ music at midnight.

Sunday November 12

The Romería of “La Purísima de Bolnuevo” from Bolnuevo to Mazarrón

8.30 to 9.00: Free bus service from Mazarrón to Bolnuevo, departing from the bus station in Mazarrón. Later on the same service is provided for those returning, starting at 13.00 and stopping in Puerto de Mazarrón.

8.45: Hot chocolate for all those taking part, opposite the small church of Bolnuevo.

9.30: The figure of the Virgen departs from the small church of Bolnuevo on her way to the Jardín de La Purísima in Mazarrón, where she is welcomed by local dignitaries before completing her journey to the Iglesia-Santuario de La Purísima Concepción, where Mass is held.

16.00: DJ music at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo.

19.30: Holy Mass at the church where the figure of the Virgen has arrived.

Monday November 13

19.00: Rosary at the church of La Purísima, followed by Mass at 19.30.

Tuesday November 14

19.00: Rosary at the church of La Purísima, followed by Mass at 19.30.

20.00: An evening of theatre and poetry organized by the “Gredas de Bolnuevo” neighbours’ association at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo.

Wednesday November 15

19.00: Rosary at the church of La Purísima, followed by Mass at 19.30.

20.30: Re-enactment of the 9 Declarations of the Milagro de La Purísima at the Iglesia- Santuario de La Purísima.

Thursday November 16

19.00: Rosary at the church of La Purísima, followed by Mass at 19.30.

Friday November 17, the Day of the Miracle

10.00: Activity for children aged 3 to 12 at the Torre de los Caballos in Bolnuevo: learn about the story of the Miracle and man the watchtower to protect the coast! There are two shifts for the activity, from 10.00 to 12.00 and from 12.00 to 14.00.

The activity is free of charge and registration is open until November 16 at 22.00 online here or through the tourist office.

12.00: Holy Mass and the “Oil of the Lamp” blessing at the Iglesia Santuario de La Purísima.

15.30: Afternoon entertainment in Bolnuevo with Six Seven in the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo, followed by DJ music at 17.00.

17.00: Offering of food and flowers at the Santuario, with attendees invited to attend wearing traditional outfits of the Region of Murcia. Those taking part will receive the traditional bottle of lamp oil.

18.00: Procession, with the image of La Purísima Concepción de Bolnuevo paraded from the Iglesia-Santuario de La Purísima Concepción via the parish church of San Antonio de Padua and the church of San Andrés Apóstol to the Iglesia-Santuario de La Purísima Concepción.

Saturday November 18

11.00: Free tour of Bolnuevo is held again in Spanish, booking details here.

12.00 to 14.00: Two rides for the price of one at the fairground.

16.30: Show Landia, songs and dancing for infants at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo.

17.00: Free dramatized guided tour in Spanish in Bolnuevo, booking details here.

19.30: Rosary followed by Mass at 20.00 in the church of Bolnuevo.

21.30: Barullo Party Romería 2023, music at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo.

Sunday November 19

The second Romería, in which the figure of La Purísima Concepción is returned to her church in Bolnuevo, and Sardine Sunday!

Free bus service from the chemist’s in Bolnuevo to Mazarrón leaving at 4.15, 7.00, 8.00, 14.00 and 18.00. Return journey at 10.30. All services stop at the bus stations of Puerto de Mazarrón and Mazarrón.

7.30: Mass in the Iglesia-Santuario de La Purísima, with a blessing of the bearers of the image, followed by the departure for Bolnuevo. On arrival La Purísima is paraded through the village and Mass is held on the beach before she is taken to her church in Bolnuevo.

14.30: The official sardine barbecue begins at the municipal marquee (although countless others are likely to be held on the beach, weather permitting).

15.00: Day fair with music from Filiu y Compañía at the municipal marquee in Bolnuevo.

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