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Lorca announces an opportunity to kiss the hands of one of its most emblematic religious sculptures

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The Virgen de la Amargura is the figurehead of the Paso Blanco in the Semana Santa processions of Lorca

Lorca announces an opportunity to kiss the hands of one of its most emblematic religious sculptures The historical and religious heritage of the city of Lorca goes back hundreds of years, but one of the most revered religious sculptures, that of the Virgen de la Amargura, is only now celebrating the 75^th anniversary of her delivery to the Paso Blanco brotherhood, who parade her in their processions during the internationally famous annual Semana Santa processions in the city.

Prior to the Spanish Civil War (1936-39) the figure adored by the members of the Paso Blanco paid homage to a sculpted figure by Francisco Salzillo, dated 1752, but this was lost or more likely destroyed during the conflict and it was not until 15^th April 1949 that a “new” figure was delivered by José Sánchez Lozano. This was a period when all over Spain efforts were being made to replace the iconic works of religious art which had been either plundered or wantonly destroyed during the war, and for the last 75 years the Lorquinos – or around half of them, anyway, as there is a strong division of loyalties in Lorca between the Paso Blanco and the Paso Azul – have accepted her as their figurehead.

Lorca announces an opportunity to kiss the hands of one of its most emblematic religious sculptures To mark the anniversary, and coinciding with the Jubilee awarded by the Diocese of Cartagena, the Paso Blanco and the Town Hall have announced that there will be an exceptional opportunity for people to kiss the hands of the statue on September 10, 11 and 12, a unique occasion in the long history of the Paso Blanco. On September 10 and 11 the timetable is from 10.30 to 13.30 and from 17.30 to 20.30, while on the following day only the morning timetable is available as in the evening the Bishop of Cartagena will be holding a special Mass in honour of the Virgin.

Despite being created in the mid-20^th century the sculpture itself is in the traditional baroque style, and the Virgin’s hands are roughly at the height of her waist. During the Easter processions it is carried on its throne on the shoulders of 133 bearers.

Image 1: Paso Blanco

Image 2: Ayuntamiento de Lorca

For more local events, news and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today.

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Oficina de Turismo de Lorca

Lorca Tourist Office

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. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, Lorca Tourist Office 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 an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 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.

Lorca Tourist Office The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is on Calle San Patricio near the church.

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 Lorca Tourist Office 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 through agricultural exploitations.

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 Lorca Tourist Office series of parades 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.