The Easter and Spring Festivals of 2024 have been historic for the city of Murcia, boasting higher participation in events and a greater international impact than ever before.

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The Murcia City Hall released the hotel occupancy figures for ‘Semana Santa’ (Holy Week/Easter period) and the Spring Festivals which are celebrated back to back in the heart of Murcia. On Good Friday hotels and accommodation in the city reached 96.7% which was 7% higher than pre-pandemic figures.

The extremely popular Spring festivals also drew in the crowds with a record breaking 1.2 million people attending the ‘Burial of the Sardine’. The Burial of the Sardine is a unique and symbolic festival celebrated in various parts of Spain, including the city of Murcia. The festival involves a mock funeral procession for a giant sardine, which symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The sardine is typically made of paper or fabric and is decorated in bright colors. It is carried through the streets on a float, accompanied by musicians and dancers.

Bando de la Huerta

Another traditional Spring festival in Murcia is the Bando de la Huerta. Literally translated as the ‘Orchard Parade,’ the Bando de la Huerta pays homage to Murcia’s rich agricultural heritage and the importance of its orchards, known as ‘huertas.’ Historically, Murcia has been renowned for its fertile lands and abundant produce, making agriculture a central part of its identity.

800,000 people lined the streets of Murcia to celebrate this traditional festival.

During the Bando de la Huerta, the streets of Murcia come alive with a procession of floats, decorated with colorful flowers, fruits, and vegetables. These elaborately decorated floats represent the bounty of the land and showcase the agricultural products for which the region is famous.

Participants in the parade, known as ‘huertanos’ or orchard dwellers, wear traditional costumes, adding to the festive atmosphere. Many wear clothing typical of rural life, such as straw hats, embroidered shawls, and traditional folk costumes, reflecting the rural traditions of the past.

Alongside the floats, the Bando de la Huerta features marching bands, folk dancers, and street performers, who entertain the crowds with music, dance, and traditional songs. Spectators line the streets to watch the procession and participate in the festivities, which often include food stalls, craft markets, and cultural activities celebrating Murcia’s agricultural heritage.

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Battle of the Flowers

Another 350,000 people turned out for the ‘Batalla de los Flores’ (the Battle of the Flowers).

The Batalla de las Flores is a festive parade that celebrates the arrival of spring and showcases the beauty of floral arrangements. It typically takes place during the Spring Festivals, drawing locals and tourists.

During the parade, elaborately decorated floats decorated with fresh flowers, petals, and floral motifs parade through the streets of Murcia. These floats often feature intricate floral sculptures, artistic arrangements, and themed decorations, creating a dazzling display of color and creativity.

Participants in the parade, including dancers, performers, and musicians, often wear floral-themed costumes and accessories, adding to the festive atmosphere. The Batalla de las Flores is accompanied by music, dancing, and entertainment, making it a joyful celebration of nature’s beauty and the arrival of spring.

International Interest on the Rise

This year there was a notable increase in the number of international visitors to Murcia’s Spring celebrations. The tourist office noted an increase in the number of visitors from The Netherlands, Germany, the UK and Belgium.

Tourist also travelled from all over Spain to enjoy the traditional Murcia Spring festivals with an influx of tourists from Valencia, Andalucía and Madrid.

The images of these spectacular events will be displayed all over Spain to entice even more interest next year!

Have you ever experienced Murcia’s Spring festivals? Lets us know in the comments.