Until February 4 Chato Murciano pork and bacon gastronomic festival in Lorca
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Traditional Murcia specialities are on the menu at around 20 Lorca restaurants
The Chato Murciano is a breed of pig which is a native of the Region of Murcia and is the only surviving native of the common pig species. In the past it was an important source of nourishment for those living in Murcia and there were over 100,000 specimens a century ago, but it then fell out of favour as it was crossbred with the Victoria, Tamworth, Large White and Berkshire breeds.
Now, however, this black species is experiencing something of a revival as gastronomes seek out the traditional dishes made using its meat, and in Lorca the annual Jornadas Gastronómicas del Chato Murciano are currently under way, lasting until February 4. Around restaurants are taking part: Gastrobar Cañarejo, Taberna La Cepa, Cervecería Las Columnas, Casa Roberto, Parador de Lorca, Pizzería D'Antojo, Restaurante La Peña, La Alacena de Braulio, Mesón Lorquino, Phelans Irish Pub, La Mafia se Sienta a la Mesa, Restaurante Paredes, FBI Freak Burguer International, Asador Murciano, Bar España, Tres by Keki, Restaurante Mirrin, Restaurante Los Cazorlos and Asador El Consejero, all of them offering special dishes and hoping to be voted into the final at the Escuela de Hostelería y Turismo de Lorca.
For more local events, news and visiting information consult the tourist office (in the Plaza de España, telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, Lorca
Tel: 968 441914
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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca
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 28th 2012, as well as a series of earthquakes, the most recent of which was 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives.
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 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!
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.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca tourist office:
Every day of the year apart from 1st and 6th January and 25th December, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30 (except Sunday afternoons).
These opening times are often extended and other information points created during the Semana Santa celebrations.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
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