Let’s hope that September soothes the sun-kissed skin and scenery as you enjoy the NW Region. Stay informed online at www.costacalidachronicle.com and blog and the relevant Tourist Office websites.
Bullas
T: 968 652 244 Market Tues
Sunday 1st September & 6th October – El Zacatin Artisan Market will delight you from morning to early afternoon with many craft stalls of local work and produce. Located in the Plaza Vieja and the Plaza del Castillo and features textile traditions of the Northwest: demos of lace-making and weaving.
The popular inland beach and beauty spot of Salto del Usero, favoured for the icy cold River Mula in the heat of the summer, is being monitored to restrict users to 100 people at a time from 10am-7pm until 8th September for environmental reasons. You can book online at the Town Hall website/tel 642 291 506/ email
reservassaltousero@bullas.es for more info.
Wine heritage info:
The 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.
The Museo del Vino has a shop with bodega prices.
To visit either/info tel 968 657 211, tourist office or email
casamuseodonpepe@bullas.es
Calasparra
T: 968 745 325 Market Fri
Support the Royal British Legion established in Calasparra.Murcia.secretary.rbl@gmail.com
Sunday 8th September – Duo Dinamico with 60’s music @ Cine Rosales 10pm 20€
Friday 13th September – Gospel Karaoke @ The Alandalus Bar, Valle de Sol 8pm
Rockin Vicar Andrew’s repertoire will include many old favourites including Johny Cash numbers with live music from Peter Smith, singer and guitarist. Entrance is free. For more information go to ahrea2@yahoo.co.uk or call 634 386 179
Caravaca
T: 968 702 424 Market Mon
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, Baranda will enthral musos. Signposted with 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
T: 968 723 550 Market Wed
8th – 14th September – Fiesta in Honour of Virgen de las Maravillas
There will be a vast programme of entertainment including concerts, children activities, exhibitions, dancing, music from famous Spanish groups, bullfight, electro music festival, bands festival, religious acts and more than 150 private rented marquees in ‘Recinto Ferial’.
Check out the website for up-to-date information.
29th September – Free Guided Tour at the See of Begastri, the Archaeological Museum in the old town and a visit to the Escuela del Vino for 2€. 11am in Begastri. Reservation essential at https://bit.ly/30ANrPA or call 968 723 550
Sat & Sun in September – Archaeological See of Begastri open 10am-2pm. A video presentation is followed by a guided tour to see the remains of the Iberian culture before the IV century BC. 2€ pp.
The Eco Park ‘Coto de las Maravillas’ has family activities which includes zip lines, archery, nature walks and many other organised outdoor activities. They can also host any type of event. Campsite, BBQ area and kiosk-bar offering a great menu – (you can book). Open weekends 10am-5pm; weekdays prior booking.
Tel 968 069 202 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm
Email info@conexioncultura.es or visit www.cotodelasmaravillas.com
Jumilla
T: 968 780 237 Market Tues
Sunday 1st – A family and festive/religious day when people, often with picnics, gather around the monastery of Santa Ana to welcome the return of the Ninico de las Uvas. The figure is carried along the 7km route from the town, starting at 8am and finishing around 2pm with lunch to mark the end of the fiestas.
When visiting the historic buildings in the town or the castle, don’t miss the popular area of beauty behind the castle hill, Charco del Zorro, part of the Rambla de la Alqueria. Enjoy a swim and take a picnic in Summer.
Lovers of art should visit the Saorin Painting Museum, a small museum of works by the local artist, Jesus Lozano Saorin and others from the area and includes sculptures and canvases.
Reserve a guided visit on 660 959 631
The Convent of Santa Ana del Monte in the mountains south of Jumilla is worth a visit for the history and stunning views over town and landscape.
Open in summer:
Tues-Sat 10am-1pm & 4pm-6.30pm
Sun 10am-11.30am & 4pm-5.30pm
Follow RM-714 southwest and signposted – 5km from town centre.
Archaeological Museum (tel: 968 757 379) and Ethnography & Natural Sciences Museum (tel: 968 780 740) which also offer various workshops for all the family at various times.
15 bodegas affiliated to the Ruta del Vino offer 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 the tourist office.
Moratalla
T: 968 730 208 Market Sat
Tours to the Rock Art of Moratalla available, encapsulating prehistoric to medieval styles and worthy of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Several routes and modes of transport – details on www.turismomoratalla.com
More info at info@turismomoratalla.com
Tel 696 807 037
Mula
T: 968 661 501 Market Sat
Sunday 8th September – Artisan Market
Check out the El Cigarralejo Museum and the Casa Pinatada which have several new exhibitions – info at Tourist Office.
Murcia
T: 968 358 749
Discover the contemporary arts centre Centro Parraga in the city centre. Contact: Tel 968 351 410/info@centroparraga.com
Catch the following until 15th September: Fernando de Retes Exhibition focuses on innovative architecture and design in Espacio 2
Mon-Fri – 9am-8pm. Free admission.
Until 8th September – Exhibition of the way fanzines can be used as a means of feminist emancipation by Murcian artist Gelen Alcantar in Espacio 3
Mon-Fri – 9am-8pm. Free admission
19th September-17th November – The renowned abstract artist, Luis Gordillo, exhibits in Espacio 2. Best known for his involvement in forming the ‘informalism’ movement and embracing the pop art culture of the 1960s.
Mon-Fri – 9am-8pm. free admission.
The Auditorio Victor Villegas
Sunday lunchtime ‘family concerts’ are back! Performed by the Region of Murcia Symphony Orchestra, between September and March – book early as very popular. More info/booking available 9am-2pm at the box office or tel: 968 343 080
Season tickets for 2019-20 are on sale, featuring 24 concerts and dance performances, and tickets for individual events are also available – booking early is recommended.
Friday 13th – The OSRM and the Coral Crevillentina Choir perform a semi-dramatised version of ‘Dona Francisquita’ by Vives. 10€ for non-season ticket holders.
Tuesday 17th – The OSRM and pianist, Victor Riquelme, perform to celebrate Murcia Tennis Club’s centenary, featuring two works by Mozart and Haydn’s ‘London Symphony’. 8pm; tickets 20€.
Sunday 22nd – Shakespeare’s classic, Romeo and Juliet is performed by giant puppets, the ‘Per Poc’ company with the OSRM, to the music of Prokofiev. This family event starts at midday; tickets 10€ for non-season ticket holders.
Friday 27th – The Spanish Folk-Pop and Jazz Singer & Guitarist, Amarela, should not be missed. 9pm; tickets 10€ in advance and 12€ on the door.
Saturday 28th – The Victor Ullate Ballet perform ‘Antigona’; a story inspired by the reflections of Sophocles on human nature. 8pm; tickets 25€-45€ for non-season ticket holders.
Sunday 29th – The OSRM combine with pianist, Judith Jauregui and conductor, Tomas Grau to perform music by Schumann and Tchaikovsky. 8pm; tickets 10€-24€ for non-season ticket holders.
History buffs can visit three venues dedicated to the 12th century Moorish ruler Ibn Mardanis, referred to as ‘El Rey Lobo’ (the Wolf King) @ the Museo Arqueologico de Murcia, the Museo de Santa Clara and the San Juan de Dios complex. Runs to 1st December 2019.
Also running until 30th September is an exhibition which focuses on the palatial gardens and agriculture of this 12th century King of Murcia. Visit the Palacio de San Esteban to see this and an Andalusian Garden in the Moorish style. Open to the end of 2019. More info at Tourist Office.
Yecla
T: 968 754 104 Market Wed
Visit Deortegas Almazara to learn about their olive oil production, and buy. Limited places – they will try to fit you in with a group or accommodate your group.
Tel 968 969 644
info@deortegas.com
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 on request.