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HOME > MURCIA CITY & CENTRAL > BLANCA
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Blanca Today
Blanca is in the verdant heart of the Ricote Valley
Blanca is one of the smaller municipalities of the 45 in the Region of Murcia, and lies in the Ricote valley just over thirty kilometres to the north-west of the regional capital. Covering an area of only 87 square kilometres, it is home to approximately 6,500 people, who enjoy this picturesque location on the banks of the River Segura.
The landscape here is dominated by the green valley of the river and the mountains which flank it on either side as it winds its way south towards Murcia, and as well as those who live here this scenery also attracts visitors from the rest of the Region who enjoy spending a day out in the countryside. A large number of canoeists and other mountain sports enthusiasts come regularly to Blanca and the rest of the Ricote valley, and the area is highly recommended for those wishing to explore inland Murcia on a day out from the beaches of the Costa Cálida.
Little is known about the history of the municipality before the arrival of the Moors in 713, and in fact were it not for the remnants of the 12th century castle on the mountain behind the town not much visible evidence would remain from the five centuries of Moorish rule. The Moors remained in Blanca and most of the rest of the Ricote valley until they were finally expelled by Felipe III in 1613, and were responsible for the development of an agricultural economy which relied not only on fruit trees but also on esparto grass and wood. Nowadays, while the fruit trees remain, they have been supplemented by new crops which it has been possible to cultivate since the water supply was guaranteed by the opening of the Tajo-Segura canal in 1979.
Easily accessed from the city of Murcia via the A-30 motorway, Blanca has for decades been a popular day out for visitors from the regional capital, and they follow in the footsteps of the noble families who built some of the largest houses in the town as rural retreats in the 19th century. These include the Casa del Conde in the centre and the Casa La Favorita just to the south-west.
One of the most famous sons of Blanca is artist Pedro Cano, who has gained international recognition since his first exhibition in Murcia in 1972. The town now boasts a large cultural museum housing the Fundación Pedro Cano, the street in which the Town Hall lies is named after Anguillara Sabazzia, the town in Italy where Cano went to live when he got married, and nowadays the artistic and cultural life of Blanca is one of the main attractions for visitors. The town also has the Ermita de San Roque, Iglesia parroquial de San Juan Evangelista, a ruined castle, a sculptural walk and of course, its reservoir de Ojós and mirador, providing fabulous views out over the town.
The town is well known for its fiestas, in particular the bull runs ( encierros) which take place in August each year and the Romería in honour of the patron of the town, San Roque.
Blanca is part of the Comarca of the Vega Alta del Segura and is fairly central within the region, bordered by the municipalities of Abarán, Ulea, Ojós, Molina de Segura, Fortuna and Ricote and is about a 45 minute run from the regional airport of San Javier and about an hour from Alicante airport.
DANA in Murcia: Region escapes worst of the storm but rainwater runoff a massive problemThere was intense rain and road closures for flooding in Murcia, but was nowhere near as badly hit as neighbouring Valencia This week’s DANA weather front brought violent storms and flooding to parts of southeastern Spain, including the Region.. 30/10/2024
Murcia storm report: Winds and heavy rains cause flood of emergenciesRoads have been closed as nearly 100 litres of rain fall per square metre in some areas The heavens have opened as a DANA (an isolated depression at high levels) storm or Gota Fría pummels the Region of Murcia and the rest of southern and eastern.. 29/10/2024
The Ricote Valley and Cieza, a perfect blend of History and NatureA land of lush greenery forgotten by Time in the heart of the Region of Murcia Right in the heart of the Region of Murcia there is a land which it appears that Time forgot, leaving intact much of the cultural heritage of the Moorish and post-Moorish culture..
Suggestions for rural tourism over Christmas and the New Year in the Region of MurciaInland destinations to get away from it all and enjoy a “real” Christmas in the Costa Cálida! It goes without saying that the towns and cities of the Costa Cálida are full of hustle and bustle over the Christmas season, but for those..
Where is the finest view in the Region of Murcia? The regional tourist board names 17 favouritesThere is a huge variety of views, from Yecla in the north to Águilas in the south, but is your favourite on the list? Choosing the best view in the Region of Murcia is an impossible task, partly because everyone is entitled to their own opinion.. 11/05/2023
The Ricote valley, a natural paradise in the heart of the Region of MurciaWater sports and picturesque scenery on the banks of the River Segura in central Murcia Lush greenery, a wide, slow-moving river punctuated by rapids and weirs, a secluded valley hidden from the world by steep mountains… this may sound uncharacteristic..
Ziplining in the Region of Murcia: four suggestions for great outdoor adventure days in the Costa CalidaAdrenalin rushes for children and adults alike in some of the most spectacular scenery of Murcia Safe ziplines designed for children have become relatively commonplace in parts of the UK over recent years, mini versions having been installed in many children..
Cycling in the Region of Murcia: four picturesque but testing climbs in less frequented areas of the Costa Cálida!Some of the most demanding ascents in southern Spain are to be found in the mountains of Murcia The Region of Murcia is something of a paradise for nature lovers who enjoy exploring on two wheels, with rides ranging from the flat crop fields of the Vega Media..
Understanding the Funeral Process in SpainIn Spain, it is the norm to plan ahead for your funeral. It’s all part of making things easier for the family and loved ones The cost of a funeral in Spain continues to rise and most Spanish families take out some kind of funeral plan to cover the..
Leroy Merlin stores in the Region of Murcia: huge range of home, garden and DIY products Everything you need to create your perfect home Leroy Merlin is one of the Region of Murcia’s top suppliers of home, garden and DIY products. With items ranging from garden sheds and power tools to bathroom furniture and air-conditioning, you&rsquo..
Weekly Thursday market in Blanca The Blanca market is held in the town centre close to the River Segura For many expats and visitors, one of the great joys of shopping in Spain is the opportunity to buy fresh products and bargain clothes in the weekly local markets, which are awash with..
Romería de San Roque, Blanca The annual romería takes place on Friday morning in the first of two sets of fiestas in honour of the saint One of the central events of the annual Fiestas in Blanca in honour of San Roque is the Romería held in honour of its patron.. 13/04/2015
The Fiestas de San Roque in Blanca (April and August) San Roque protected Blanca from the plague in 1828 The local fiestas in honour of San Roque which are held in the town and municipality of Blanca are unusual for a variety of reasons, the main one being that they are held not only on and around the.. 07/04/2015
Domingo de Piñata in BLanca: San Roque retreats for LentSan Roque will return to Blanca for the spring fiestas Every year Blanca celebrates Carnival, which takes place 40 days before Easter Sunday and signals the beginning of Lent. Carnival is becoming a larger event every year across Spain, as tens of..
Certamen de Folklore Villa de Blanca Annual Folk Festival in Blanca Folk music and dancing are essential core elements of the traditions and customs of Blanca and the Ricote Valley and Blanca has its own dedicated Folk Dancing and musical group, the Peña Huertana La Capaza, with music..
Despedida de las Benditas Ánimas in Blanca on 6th January This annual tradition bids farewell to the souls of the departed The origins of the Despedida de las Benditas Ánimas in Blanca are lost in history At the end of the festive season Spain celebrates Epiphany, when the Three Kings bring cheer.. 08/01/2015
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