D.L. MU 74-2025 - ISSN 3045-6703
Happy
EASTER
Costa Cálida I No. 2126 I 2 - 8 April 2026 I FREE Newspaper
Tradition fills streets
Semana Santa rush Murcia reaches near full capacity
Palm Sunday unites local community
THE Segura River will take centre stage during Murcia’s Spring Festival with the launch of a floating concert series transforming the water into a live music venue. The initiative, ‘Primavera Río’, runs from April 8 to 10 and features free performances on a platform built directly on the river. The programme includes
Credit: Facebook/Ayuntamiento San Pedro
SAN PEDRO DEL PINATAR marked the start of Semana Santa with a Palm Sunday procession that brought hundreds of faithful into the streets in a display of tradition, reflection and community spirit. The morning began with the blessing of palm leaves and olive branches outside the Iglesia San Pedro Apóstol, where families and parishioners gathered to take part in one of the most symbolic moments of the Christian calendar. From there, the procession of Jesús Triunfante moved through the town towards the Santísima Trinidad church, following a
Credit: Shutterstock/Angel Garcia2023
Young participants carry olive branches during Palm Sunday celebrations in San Pedro del Pinatar.
route lined with residents and visitors. Participants carried palms and olive branches as they walked, recreating the biblical entry into Jerusalem and marking the
official beginning of Holy Week. The steady rhythm of the procession and the shared participation of different generations created an atmosphere that was both solemn and
Floating festival Music flows along the Segura River artists such as Walls and Maldita Nerea, alongside a surprise act yet to be announced. Concerts will begin in the early evening, allowing audiences to gather along riverbanks,
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bridges and nearby walkways to watch from multiple vantage points. Organisers describe the format as a unique way to bring music closer to the public in an open, accessible setting.
quietly celebratory. For San Pedro del Pinatar, the event once again highlighted the importance of local traditions that continue to bring the community together each year.
The floating stage is one of the main highlights of the wider Spring Festival programme, which includes more than 200 events across over 50 locations. This year also marks the 175th anniversary of Murcia’s most iconic traditions, adding further significance to the celebrations expected to draw strong crowds.
Crowds gather in Murcia as Semana Santa drives near full hotel capacity.
HOTELS across the Region of Murcia are set to reach near full capacity this Easter, with demand peaking in the main cities of Murcia, Cartagena and Lorca as visitors arrive in growing numbers for the annual Semana Santa celebrations. Industry forecasts indicate occupancy levels of around 95 per cent in these urban centres, rising to almost 100 per cent between Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday when processions draw the largest crowds. The influx is driven by both domestic and international travellers, many drawn by the scale, tradition and striking visual spectacle of the events. Along the Costa Calida, occupancy is expected to reach around 80 per cent, with bookings still shaped by last-minute demand and improving weather conditions. Tourism authorities say Easter remains a key economic moment, expected to generate around 4,000 temporary jobs across hospitality, transport and local services in the region. Hotels, restaurants and transport services are preparing for one of the busiest periods of the year, with businesses anticipating strong spending from visitors and extended opening hours. As streets fill with music and candlelight, the region balances tradition with economic momentum, reinforcing its position as one of Spain’s most distinctive Easter destinations.