The Casa del Artesano in Lorca, a centre for traditional arts and crafts and those who create them throughout the south-west of the Region of Murcia, is holding an exhibition entitled “El Esparto en Lorca” from May 20 to May 31.
The exhibition illustrates the history and techniques of esparto grass weaving in this part of Spain, an activity which in the past was a vital local industry as long ago as the time of Roman rule. The plant was used for making such diverse items as footwear, baskets, ropes and storage containers, and also decorative items.
One of the main protagonists of the display is 87-year-old “Juan El Espartero”, who still uses traditional tools and techniques to create fine craftwork. He was born in the province of Jaén but moved to Lorca at an early age and by the time he was 11 he was already taking care of the family’s livestock and learning the art of esparto weaving from his uncles, Matías and Benito. For many years he travelled by bicycle around the municipality selling fresh fish from a pannier on his back.
“El Esparto en Lorca” can be visited on the second floor of the old Pósito de Panaderos grain store, close to the main square of Plaza de España and the Ex-Collegiate church of San Patricio. It is open from Tuesday to Saturday between 10.00 and 14.00 and from 17.00 to 19.00, and will also be open until late at night on May 21, coinciding with the celebration of International Museums Day.
For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.
Lorca also has an area of 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 through agricultural exploitations.
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 parades 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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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