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Date Published: 16/11/2022

ARCHIVED - Lorca to become the first city in Spain to re-introduce the Jewish holiday of Purim

ARCHIVED ARTICLE -

Purim is more of a social occasion than a religious one in the Jewish calendar

<span style='color:#780948'>ARCHIVED</span> - Lorca to become the first city in Spain to re-introduce the Jewish holiday of Purim Along with Hannukah, Purim is one of the two Jewish festivals which are not included in the Torah, and is held to commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people from Achaemenid Empire, who were planning to have all of Persia's Jewish subjects killed (according to the Book of Esther. These plans were thwarted by Mordecai of the tribe of Benjamin, and Esther, Mordecai's cousin and adopted daughter, who had become queen of Persia.

The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and celebration among the Jews, and it is written that they “should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor”.

Nowadays Jews celebrate by exchanging gifts of food and drink, donating to the poor, eating a celebratory meal, and holding public readings of the Scroll of Esther. Some extend the celebration to the wearing of masks and costumes and organizing parades.

The official dates of Purim in 2023 are March 6 and 7.

For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today

Image: Arthur Szyk, Six paintings of Jewish holidays, (Wikicommons, public domain

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites and historic buildings around which the modern city has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, Plaza de España, the former Collegiate church of San Patricio, the municipal archaeological museum, the Casa Huerto Ruano, the Palacio de Guevara and the churches and convents of San Francisco, San Mateo, the Virgen de las Huertas, La Merced, El Carmen and many others.

Unfortunately, Lorca has been prone to natural disaster, suffering a severe flood in 1973 which killed 50 people, and a Gota Fría on September 28^th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11^th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of unspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Cala Calnegre and various others. Although only one is accessible by road others can be reached along dirt tracks!

In terms of fiestas, Lorca is synonymous with Easter (Semana Santa), its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status being famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azul) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.

In the Autumn Lorca also celebrates the Fiestas of San Clemente and a Feria and there are a series of important events throughout the year in the Recinto Ferial, as well as a busy cultural and sporting programme.

The tourist office relocated for 14 years to Calle San Patricio, near the church, but has now returned to its former premises alongside the Palacio de Guevara in the Plaza Concha Sandoval, or Plaza de la Bordadora (click for map).

Lorca Tourist Office Lorca also has an area of inspoilt coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only along difficult tracks or by boat!

Lorca Tourist Office However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a series of processions in which the Whites (Paso Blanco) and Blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.