The Romería has been celebrated on 2nd February in Alhama for over 200 years

Alhama de Murcia is one of the many towns in Spain to celebrate Candlemas and the feast day of the Virgen de la Candelaria on 2nd February, and has done so for over 200 years, with the main event being a "Romería" in which the figure of the of the Virgen is returned to her sanctuary above the town after being brought down into Alhama on Christmas Day.

The Romeria is part of the fiestas of Candlemas, which is when the infant Jesus was presented in the Temple according to the Gospel of Luke. It has certainly been held in Alhama for at least the last 200 years, and in modern times the level of participation is growing as more and more of these traditions are revived.

This is a fairly short walk of only about 3 kilometres, and offers an easy route from the church of San Lázaro to the chapel known in the Paraje del Collao, between the hill atop which the castle of Alhama stands and the mountains behind. On the evening before the big day, Mass is held in the parish church of La Concepción before the Virgen is transferred to San Lázaro. 

The schedule for the celebrations in 2026 is as follows: 

Sunday February 1

19.30: Holy Mass in the church of La Concepción with music from the Edad de Oro choir, followed by a procession of the figure of the Virgen de la Candelaria to the parish church of San Lázaro along Rambla Don Diego, Calle Corredera and Calle Feria.

On arrival the procession is met by a serenade sung by Los Zalameros, while along the way fireworjs and firecrackers will be set off.

Monday February 2, Candlemas

10.00: Mass in honour of the Virgen de la Candelaria in the church of San Lázaro with musical accompaniment provided by the Cantores de Alhama.

11.00: The traditional romería begins, with the figure of the Virgin borne on the shoulders of the musicians of the Brotherhood of Santa María Magdalena (commonly known as Los Azules), accompanied by numerous “romeros” and musical groups. Route: Calle Corredera, Rambla Don Diego (where there is music from Aires de Espuña and the Músicos de Sonata), Calle Moreras, Rambla San Roque (where a brief pause occurs), the church of Ermita del Padre Manuel (another pause) and finally El Collao, where the Aurora de Alhama group perform. On arrival, Mass is held in the small church with music from the accompanying groups, and again there may be fireworks along the way.

14.00: A communal paella is served with everyone welcome to join in.

15.00: A free bouncy castle for children.

 

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the tourist office (telephone 968 633512) or go to the home page of Alhama Today.

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