June bursts upon us full of summer song after spring teased with storms and heatwaves to remind us that we should respect and take care of our environment. Explore and enjoy your beautiful region with appreciation and kindness.
Stay informed online with the Chronicle website
www.costacalidachronicle.com and blog and the relevant Tourist Office websites.
BULLAS
www.bullas.es
T: 968 652 244 Market Sat
Sunday 2nd June – Artisan Market
Saturday 22nd – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) takes in modernist houses, the historic clock tower and finishes with tasting of local wines. Pre-book at Tourist Office 11am. Often guides speak English and the tour is highly visual.
Wine Heritage Information
Casa-Museo Don Pepe Marsilla has authentic interiors. Guided tours (in English) for only 2 persons (5€ pp) or there is an audio guide system in English. Museo del Vino has a shop with bodega prices. To visit either/info, tel 968 657 211 or the Tourist Office or email casamuseodonpepe@bullas.es
CALASPARRA
www.turismocalasparra.es
T: 968 745 325 Market Fri
Support the Royal British Legion established in Calasparra. Murcia.secretary.rbl@gmail.com
Sunday 9th June – Artisan and Handicraft Market @ The Sanctuary from 10am
CARAVACA
www.turismocaravaca.org
T: 968 702 424 Market Mon
Sunday 16th – Artisan Market
A museum gem explores Caravaca’s history of skilled craftsmanship and remarkable engineering. An amazing collection of miniatures portray these skills, including Caravaca’s manufacture/export of espadrilles. Located at Calle Puentecilla No 3, Bajo
Tel: 968 795 620 for opening times. Info cards in English for every exhibit and easy access for those with mobility issues.
The Carlos Blanco Fadol Museum of Ethnic Instruments in Barranda will enthral musos. Signposted and easy access for mobility issues. 5% of his 4,000-piece collection rotates in the space available. 3€ (disc 2€/ child 1€). English leaflets and assistants speak English. Check opening times with Tourist Office.
CEHEGÍN
www.turismocehegin.es
T: 968 723 550 Market Wed
The third week in June kicks off with fiestas to honour San Antonio. Expect music, fun and food in the form of live acts, a foam party, mobile disco and traditional local specialties of sardines ‘Migas’ and bacon sandwiches ‘Tocinada’.
The last week of June gets lively in Valentin with festivities to honour Saint John including attractions such as running of bulls, processions, music, dancing, children’s activities and traditional foods.
Saturday 29th – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) of the medieval area within the Old Town which includes the Canara Gate, the Caravaca Gate, the Church of Santa Maria and the school of wine. 11.30am from Plaza del Castillo. Approx 2hrs. Wear comfy shoes. Reserve at Tourist Office.
Archaeological See of Begastri open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-2pm. A video presentation is followed by a guided tour to see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century BC.
The Eco Park ‘Coto de las Maravillas’ has family activities: zip lines, archery, nature walks and other outdoor activities. They can also host any type of event. Campsite, BBQ area and kiosk-bar offering a great menu – and you can book. Open weekends 10am-5pm (weekdays prior booking). Tel 968 069 202 Monday-Friday 9am-3pm
Email info@conexioncultura.es
www.cotodelasmaravillas.com
JUMILLA
www.jumilla.org
T: 968 780 237 Market Tues
Saturday 1st – Free 1.5hr Guided Tour (in English) of the old quarter and Archaeological Museum. 10.30am from Teatro Vico.
Sunday 2nd 10am/11.30am & Saturday 8th 10.15am/11.30am – 2 Spanish Language Tours of the restored castle. Leave from Tourist Office & book at Tourist Office (English language leaflets available). Own transport needed. 2.10€ incl IVA.
Saturday 8th – An English language Guided Tour of the Santa Ana monastery 10am. (Spanish language 12pm). Free entrance – donations asked for – meet at the atrium. More info from Tourist Office – can combine with a bodega visit.
Sunday 9th – Free Guided Tour (in Spanish) of the town centre history and a visit to the Museum Of Natural Science which also houses an impressive collection of fossils, insects and butterflies. 10.30am from Teatro Vico – approx. 1.5 hours.
Check out the Archaeological Museum (tel: 968 757 379) and the Ethnography and Natural Sciences Museum (tel: 968 780 740) which also offer various workshops for all the family at various times.
Wine buffs can contact a choice of 15 bodegas affiliated to the Ruta del Vino for guided visits for small groups or individuals and to buy produce. Liaise with bodegas as most will attempt to coordinate groups and provide a relevant language-guide; or enquire through Tourist Office.
MORATALLA
www.ayuntamientomoratalla.net
T: 968 730 208
Saturday/Sunday 1st/2nd – Last chance to view a Photographic Exhibition by David Beatson at the Casino Cultural in Calle Mayor, 70. Free entry; 5.30pm-8.30pm. Features natural attractions of NW Murcia.
Tours to the Rock Art of Moratalla are available encapsulating prehistoric to medieval styles and worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. There are several routes and modes of transport – details on www.turismomoratalla.com or info@turismomoratalla.com or tel: 696 807 037
MULA
www.mula.es
T: 968 661 501 Market Sat
Sunday 9th – Artisan Market
The Museo Ciudad de Mula has an exhibition of pinturas and collages, ‘Nacho Murillo’ until 10th June. Mon-Sun 10am-2pm (closed Tues).
Check out El Cigarralejo museum and the Casa Pinatada which have several new exhibitions – info at Tourist Office.
MURCIA
www.turismodemurcia.es
T: 968 358 749
Friday/Saturday 14th/15th – The Electronic Music Festival – ‘Animalsound’ wows with a kaleidoscope of artistes, styles and innovative stages at the La Fica showground next to the Victor Villegas Auditorium. General pass 18€ plus costs; VIP pass 30€ plus costs. Info at www.animalsoundfestival.com
Discover the contemporary arts centre Centro Parraga in the city centre. Contact: Tel 968 351 410; info@centroparraga.com
Catch the following in June:
The Dutch literary theorist and video artist, Mieke Bal, exhibits until 9th June.
A Carmen Baena Sculpture Exhibition in white marble runs to 23rd June. Free entry. She has exhibited in major European cities.
Thursday 20th June to 8th September – Free entry to an exhibition of the way fanzines can be used as a means of feminist emancipation by Murcia artist Gelen Alcantar. Espacio 3 from Monday to Friday 9am-8pm.
Free Monthly Organ Recitals in selected cathedrals and churches to June 2019; all start at 8.30pm. Contact Tourist Office for details.
The Auditorio Victor Villegas hosts the following and more info/booking is available 9am-2pm at the box office or tel: 968 343 080:
Tuesday 4th – Choral Concert from the Discantus Choir. 8pm. Tickets 8€.
Wednesday 19th – Enjoy some English Classical Music performed by the Cammerata Chamber Music Orchestra and renowned tenor Manuel Gomez, from the Canary Islands. 8pm. Tickets 10€ (8€ – students).
Thursday 27th – The Alfonso X El Sabio Choir perform the Final 6th Choral Concert. 8.30pm. Tickets 6€.
YECLA
www.turismo.yecla.es
T: 968 754 104 Market Wed
Saturday 15th – Free Guided Nocturnal Tour (in Spanish) through the old quarter to explore the mystical legends of the town. 7.30pm from Plaza Mayor and lasts from 1½-2hrs.
Visit Deortegas Almazara to learn about their olive oil production and possibly buy. Limited places – they will try to fit you in with a group or accommodate your group. 8€ pp includes a blind tasting of various oils, a healthy breakfast and a comprehensive guide to the nutritional benefits, origins, production techniques and much more. English-speaking staff has to be pre-booked.
Tel 968 969 644
Email info@deortegas.com
www.deortegas.com