Murcia Marvels

Murcia during Holy Week or Semana Santa as they say in Spain, is full of religious processions, marching bands, drummers and crowds of people including many families with children and babies in tow lining the streets. Floats depicting the passion of Christ are borne on the shoulders of sturdy believers dressed in velvet tunics. All these men have “big bellies.” Actually a bag filled with candies, biscuits and hard-boiled eggs is strapped to their mid-section so that they can hand out these little gifts to friends and family along the procession route. The atmosphere is a strange mix of sobriety and fun – a real spectacle. These processions last for several hours. The one we witnessed was in front of the exquisite Santa Maria Cathedral, an iconic Murcia landmark. It was interesting to me that before it was a cathedral, a Moorish mosque stood in its place, reflecting the diverse heritage of this part of south-eastern Spain. The cathedral is also unique in that it encompasses five centuries of architectural styles in one building.
Murcia’s other great treasure is the Casino – not the gambling kind! Built between 1852 and 1892 it has a very eclectic style and is actually a private club. Thankfully parts of it are open to visitors. The Moorish Patio [Wow!], the Library, the Ladies Powder Room and the Pompeian Patio are all something to write home about! Our splendid Spanish hosts from the University of Murcia took us one afternoon to Cabo de Palos on the Mediterranean coast. Enjoy the views!

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