June 20 to July 5 Annual fiestas in the Alhama village of La Costera

Plenty to eat, evening music, the hoe-throwing contest and lots of fun and games, all in honour of Saint Peter!

The annual fiestas of the village of La Costera in Alhama de Murcia, on the RM-603 road leading to El Palmar and the city of Murcia, are being held in honour of San Pedro Apóstol (Saint Peter) from June 20 to July 5 and feature the following activities and events:

Friday June 20

18.00: The “Pepe el de La Alberca” bolos huertanos tournament (a variant of petanca).

22.00: The opening speech is given by local ecological farmer Juan Antonio Martínez Rubio.

23.00: Live music from Serendipity, with bar and grill service.

Saturday June 21

18.30: Classic car and motorcycle display, registration 5 euros per vehicle (includes a sandwich and a drink).

19.00: The bar and grill service opens and music is provided throughout the evening by DJ Mario.

Sunday June 22

8.00: The 16th annual Romería, in which the figure of San Pedro Apóstol is carried from the home of Paco el Paracas and Victoria to the little church of San Pedro. Breakfast is served up along the way with refreshments supplied by Juan el Cabezón, and a barbecue is held at the church, where music is provided by the Cuadrilla de La Costera.

Monday June 23

18.00: Traditional games for children along with a sack race and other similar events.

21.00: Dominoes tournament.

Tuesday June 24

20.00: Presentation of the book "Mis recuerdos poéticos y troveros" by Clemente García Rubio.

21.00: Porras tournament.

21.00: Ludo tournament.

Wednesday June 25

21.00: Caliche tournament.

Thursday June 26

21.00: Subastao tournament.

Friday June 27

21.00: The annual migas competition, in which locals compete to make the best version of this traditional dish. During the evening a prize draw for a voucher worth 300 euros is held by the owners of the Dialco petrol station.

21.00: The fiestas chiringuito opens for the weekend under the stewardship of the Paso Morao of Alhama, with music provided by DJ Mario.

Saturday June 28

10.00: Cycle ride for all ages, starting at the Teleclub.

14.00: Convivial lunch for all the neighbours.

21.00: Entertainment for children including a bouncy castle.

22.00: The fiestas chiringuito opens for business.

23.30: Live music from the F&V Band playing Spanish pop standards.

1.30: Party with music supplied by DJ Aguss.

Sunday June 29

11.30: The annual hoe-throwing championship is the car park behind the Teleclub, with categories for children, OAPs and ladies as well as the main men’s competition.

12.00: Motorycle “cintas” race.

13.30: Frutería Francisca and Belchi Espadas invite everyone to an aperitivo.

14.30: A giant paella prepared by El Tirol for 300 people.

19.30: Musical Mass with music by the Cuadrilla de La Costera.

20.00: Procession through the streets of La Costera, with music by the Ateneo Músico Cultural Maestro José Antonio Ayala from Alhama de Murcia.

20.00: Entertainment for children including a bouncy castle.

22.00: Dinner dance with music by Dúo Sonora.

Midnight: A firework display signals the end of the fiestas. But…

Saturday July 5

19.15: The annual post-fiestas country hike is held for the 12^th time, starting at the Teleclub and heading up to the viewing point of the Cabezo de la Caracola, where a snack is offered before the return along the Camino de la Umbría. Registration is required at 5 euros (free for under 13s).

For more information about Alhama, including news and upcoming events, visit the local tourist office or go to the home page of Alhama Today.