When it comes to spring festivals in Spain, Sevilla and Valencia often steal the spotlight. But if you skip Murcia, you’re missing out on one of the country’s best-kept secrets. Forget the streets packed with tourists in Sevilla, Murcia’s Fiestas de Primavera (Spring Festivals) are just as exciting, a little more laid-back, and way less touristy. And the best part? They’re packed with food, music, and tradition, all wrapped up in a festival that truly feels like it belongs to the people of Murcia.

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Spring Festivals: Murcia’s Best Show

The Fiestas de Primavera in Murcia take place from April 21 to 27, in 2025 and if you’re into cultural celebrations that don’t feel like they’re staged for tourists, this is the place to be. The main event is the Bando de la Huerta, a celebration of the region’s rural heritage where people dress up in traditional huertano attire (like colorful shawls and flower crowns) and flood the streets with food, music, and drinks. Unlike the crowds at Las Fallas in Valencia, or the traditional Semana Santa processions in Sevilla, the Bando de la Huerta is about real local energy, it’s spontaneous, it’s messy, and it’s a lot of fun.

The Bando de la Huerta on April 22 kicks off at 10 a.m. with a Misa Huertana de Campaña (countryside Mass) in Plaza del Cardenal Belluga, followed by a procession through the city. But the day peaks at 5 p.m. with the Bando de la Huerta parade, where everyone from kids to grandpas joins in the fun, dancing and singing down the main streets, beer in hand.

If you’re still not sold, check out the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine). The event starts on April 23 and involves an oversized sardine figure being paraded through the streets, followed by a firework show and a wild party that ends in flames. It’s quirky, it’s crazy, and it’s Murcia.

Así ha vivido Murcia el desfile del Bando de la Huerta, reflejo del carácter murciano, amable y generoso. #LaPrimaveraesmurciana pic.twitter.com/bmbb6xJjOO

— José Ballesta (@Ballesta_Murcia) April 2, 2024

Bando de la Huerta and the Burning of the Sardine: Murcia’s Wildest Traditions Explained

Murcia’s Bando de la Huerta (which literally means Proclamation of the Orchard) is a full-blown celebration of the region’s farming roots. It started in the 19th century as a way to honor the huertanos (the traditional farmers of Murcia) and their way of life. Think of it as a giant, city-wide homage to the orchards and fields that have shaped this region for centuries. People dress in old-school huertano outfits, flowing skirts, embroidered vests, and headscarves, while massive floats roll through the streets, tossing out food and souvenirs. It’s a day for eating migas (fried breadcrumbs with sausage), drinking Estrella de Levante (the local beer), and seeing Murcia at its most unapologetically Murcian.

And then there’s the Entierro de la Sardina (‘Burial of the Sardine’), which, despite the name, is anything but somber. This bizarre, over-the-top parade has its roots in 19th-century Madrid, where a group of students decided to hold a mock funeral for a fish to symbolize the end of Lent. Murcia took the idea and ran with it. Today, it’s a wild, carnival-style spectacle with towering papier-mâché figures, marching bands, and a giant sardine float that’s dramatically set on fire at the end of the night, because why not? If you like fireworks, absurdity, and the kind of organized chaos only Spain can pull off, this is the festival for you.

The Underrated Charm of Murcia

When most people think of Murcia, they don’t think of Roman theatres or beach escapes. But Cartagena, just a short drive from Murcia city, will surprise you with its Roman Theatre, which dates back to the 1st century BC. It’s not crowded like the famous sites in Rome or Athens, and the city itself is a mix of ancient history and modern charm.

Back in Murcia city, the food scene is a reason enough to visit. The city’s foodie game is top-notch, focusing on fresh, local ingredients. Murcia is known for its ‘huerta’ (garden/orchard), and everything from tomatoes to herbs comes straight from the region. Zarangollo, a scrambled egg dish with zucchini, and pisto murciano, a vegetable stew, are staples here. For a more substantial meal, try arroz caldero, a rich rice dish cooked with fish from the nearby Mar Menor. Murcia’s food is simple but packed with flavor, and Ventorrillos (outdoor eateries) and street food stalls offer the perfect way to eat like a local during the festivals.

Not Just the Festivals: Murcia Has It All

Sure, the festivals are the big draw, but Murcia has plenty more up its sleeve. The region offers a solid mix of beach, countryside, and city life. For some relaxation, head to Mar Menor, a salty lagoon perfect for swimming or paddleboarding. The waters are warmer than the Mediterranean, and the beaches are usually a lot quieter. Or, take a break from the beach scene and explore the Sierra Espuña mountains. These natural parks offer hiking and biking trails, along with stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Why Murcia?

Murcia’s Spring Festivals might not have the international fame of Sevilla’s Feria de Abril or Valencia’s Fallas, but that’s part of the appeal. Murcia doesn’t try to impress anyone, it’s all about celebrating local traditions, music, and food. The festivals here are authentic, raw, and downright fun. The people of Murcia take pride in their customs and don’t bother with trying to appeal to the masses.

So, next time you’re planning a trip to Spain, don’t just follow the crowd. Murcia’s Spring Festivals are as good as it gets, and you’ll get to experience a side of Spain that’s often overlooked. With plenty of food, history, and a whole lot of fun, it’s worth the detour.

Have you ever been to Murcia’s Spring Festivals, or would you like to go? Are they Spain’s best-kept secret, let us know in the comments…