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October 31 to November 16 Traditional Murcia pork and rice gastronomy in Lorca
The Chato Murciano pig and the prized rice of Calasparra are the stars of the show at 18 Lorca restaurants
This gastronomic event in the city of Lorca between Friday 31st October and Sunday 16th November features two of the most iconic ingredients of the Region of Murcia, the rice grown locally in Calasparra and the meat of the Chato Murciano breed of pig.
The Chato Murciano 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!
During the fortnight the establishments offering specially prepared dishes are Gastrobar Cañarejo, Taberna La Cepa, Restaurante La Peña, Parador de Lorca, Vinoteca El Parloteo, Cervecería Las Columnas, Café-Bar España, Phelans Irish Pub, El Tebeo, Tapería Mimo’s, Restaurante Román, Venta San Julián, Restaurante Los Cazorlos, La Alacena de Plaza Calderón, Restaurante Antonia Navarro (La Hoya) and the Escuela Hostelería IES San Juan Bosco. Those who try a dish and post a picture of it on Instagram mentioning @hostelorca, the restaurant and at least one friend will take part in a prize draw for products related to the ingredients.
For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
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
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