- EDITIONS:
Spanish News Today
Alicante Today
Andalucia Today
PROPERTY SEARCH
ARCHIVED - Lorca to become the first city in Spain to re-introduce the Jewish holiday of Purim
Purim is more of a social occasion than a religious one in the Jewish calendar
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
Address
Calle Lope Gisbert, 12, LorcaTel: 968 441914
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. Among 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 two earthquakes measuring 5.3 and 5.5 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011, claiming 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 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 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
See what's on in Lorca:
