What's on, Mar Menor area, Fiestas Virgen del Carmen,  2010, Santiago de la Ribera, San Javier

 Most of the events in these fiestas are celebrated in the Explanada Barnuevo at Santiago de la Ribera,

Click here for map, Explananda Barnuevo

 

9^th July

From 10.30pm,

Festival of Rondallas in the Explanada Barnuevo.

Rondallas are traditional groups of musicians who play string and percussion instruments with vocals. They perform a variety of traditional melodies and some contemporary ones and are thoroughly entertaining to watch, and events such as these are very atmospheric and enjoyable for holiday visitors and residents alike.

There is no charge

 

10^th July

10pm. Verbena and coronation of Fiesta Queens

Performance by the Orquesta "Opalo Band"

Taking place in the Explanada Barnuevo

A verbena is an open air dance. These are normally lively, fun events, celebrating the onset of the fiestas.

No entry fee

 

11^th July

From 10.30pm

Fiesta with mobile disco unit until the early hours.

Explanada Barnuevo.

No charge

 

16^th July

Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen

The Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint of not only sailors, but also the Spanish fleet, and she protects and cares for fishermen throughout the year. As a town with strong connections to the sea, it's natural that this celebration should be important in San Javier.

At 8am, there's what's known as a Diana floreada and pasacalles. This is basically a wake-up call to the townspeople to come along and participate in the day and usually involves a band marching around making a lot of noise, and letting off a few cohetes- noisy rockets - to make sure everyone's awake..

10.30pm. Misa huertana celebrated in the Plaza del Segura.

A misa huertana is a sung mass, usually with the musical accompaniment of a Cuadrilla, a folk group and these are happy celebrations, very often with the participants in costume, although every one is different.

Following the musical mass, the Virgen is carried through the streets of the Barrio de Pescadores, the fishermans district,  in procession.

Following the procession there is a dance, a verbena, with the group" Nuevo sonido" performing in the Barrio del Carmen.

The centre of this district is the little church of La Iglesia del Carmen, which is in Plaza del Segura, and which is where the evening dance will take place.

 

17^th July

From 10.30pm

"El show del Pulpo" the 80's show band.

This is popular music going back to the 80's, performed by "the Octopus" and his band. They're very popular and good fun to watch, albeit very Spanish- you'll see!.

No charge, Explananda Barnuevo

 

18^th July

At 9.30am. Procession maritime.

The image of the Virgen del Carmen is taken on a marine procession, in the fishing boats she protects. She is taken onto the boat at the Playa de Barnuevo, put on at the fishing wharf, and taken out by the fishermen. These are lovely, festive occasions, as the boats which accompany her on her journey are packed to the brim with people, and decorated with ribbons, flowers or festive decorations.

Following the procession, the fishermen pay homage to the fisherman of the year.

At 10.30pm, there's a dance with mobile disco at the Explanada Barnuevo, free of charge.

 

Text by www.simplynetworking.es What's on, Where to go and What to do in the Region of Murcia.

 

 

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