Date Published: 16/03/2020
ARCHIVED - The Spring Fiestas in the city of Murcia could be held after the summer this year!
ARCHIVED ARTICLE
Easter processions and the Fiestas de Primavera cancelled or postponed in the regional capital
The spread of the coronavirus in Spain has already caused the cancellation of the Semana Santa (or Holy Week) processions throughout the country, and in the city of Murcia there is further disappointment as the residents have also been deprived this year of their own annual fiestas, the Fiestas de Primavera, which are held in the week following Easter Sunday.
In other words, Covid-19 has completely decimated what many feel to be the most enjoyable and emblematic fortnight of the year in the regional capital, comprising firstly the solemn (and in some cases not-so-solemn) processions of Easter, featuring the sculpted tableaux of Francisco Salzillo, and then the joyous atmosphere at the open-air “barraca” restaurants during the Fiestas de Primavera, which also feature the massive “Bando de la Huerta” party (scheduled this year for 14th April) and the huge procession of the Entierro de la Sardina on the Saturday following Easter.
All events of the Fiestas de Primavera have been “postponed” until alternative dates which have yet to be decided on, and local councillor Jesús Pacheco explains that “if spring begins in Murcia then Murcia can also decide when it ends”!
This view appears to be backed by Juan Pablo Hernández, the president of the federation of the “Peñas Huertanas” fiestas groups, who says that “the spring is very long in the city of Murcia” and hints that an alternative date may have to be found after the summer.
For more local news, events and other information go to the city of Murcia section of Murcia Today.
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What to do if you are in the Region of Murcia and believe you may have contracted the virus
The regional government has set up a special helpline to supply information to members of the public (900 121212), and also urges people to call the 112 emergency services line if they suspect that they may have contracted the virus rather than going straight to hospital or to a medical centre. Medical staff will be sent to your home to test for the virus.
The Region’s public hospitals have limited the number of visitors to just one per patient.
Sensible precautions
The advice being issued to members of the public by medical authorities all over the world coincides on the following points:
- Wash hands frequently with either soap and water or a sanitiser gel
- Catch coughs and sneezes with disposable tissues – and throw the tissues away immediately after use before immediately washing your hands!
- If you don’t have a tissue, use your sleeve – and wash the item of clothing used at the next opportunity
- AVOID touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- AVOID close contact with people who are unwell
- Don´t panic!