Fiestas in Fortuna, Murcia
Despite a population of only 7000, Fortuna celebrates its festivals with the vigour of a city thrice its size.
February
Carnival is a particularly big deal in Fortuna. Everyone wears ugly masks and the celebrations directly involve spectators - the masks give you an amazing feeling of anonymity and (under such circumstances) you'll be amazed at your creativity!
April
Fortuna's Easter celebrations are as busy as they are enthralling. Expect flamenco laments, saetas, the desfile de pavas (a parade in regional dress) and massive events to mark the Night of Glory (Resurrection). Unique to Fortuna is the Kalendas Aprili, which takes place at the sanctuary of La Cueva Negra (the Black Cave) and commemorates the ancient Roman pilgrimages made to this sacred location.
May
On the first weekend after May 15, Fortuna celebrates the Festival of San Isidro, the saint of rain. In 1998, the first Fiesta de Sodales íbero-Romanas was held and thankfully, it's now an annual event. There's a great parade where people celebrate Fortuna's Iberian and Roman heritage.
June
Fortuna gathers its gunpowder to celebrate the Hogueras de San Juan (St John's Bonfires), a festival particularly popular throughout eastern Spain. The main fiesta is held in nearby Alicante and should not be missed. The streets are alive with fire and the crowds are simply electric.
August
The most important festival of the year is held in celebration of the patron saint, San Roque and the Sodales and Romans. It takes place between the 10th and 17th of August and is a sight to behold.
Besides the massive fireworks displays, verbenas (street parties), cultural exhibitions and Roman street market, there's a grand Ibero-Roman procession and an election of the nymphs - amazing indeed. A dinner is even held within La Cueva Negra (the Black Cave) to truly take you back to the time of the Fortuna's first inhabitants.
It’s easy to find a room at Fiesta time, when you own one! Find out more about Spanish Property.
