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Its
origins go back to a Royal Decree of D. Alfonso
X el Sabio, which was granted to the town of Orihuela
to hold a fair of the cattle. It is held every
year in the summer for four days. The fair has
been assigned to the Spanish Association of "Criadores
de Caballos Pura Raza" (ANCCE), in order
to celebrate a national competition of pure race
in Orihuela. And the winner of the competition
will have the possibility to participate in other
national competitions.
The fair offers several areas, for example one
of them is dedicated to the pure race and in another
one you will find between 80 and 100 corrals for
the sale of horses. There will be one area providing
space for stalls, stables and booths, in which
associations, the Council Departments of Tourism,
Agriculture and Celebrations will settle. Also
bars and stands that will sell typical articles
related to the horse. In addition, there will
be zones for exhibitions, shows and competitions.
Do
not miss out on what is a authentic traditional
fair of Orihuela!
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The
Battle of Moors and Christians |
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The
Moors and Christians festival is one of
the most traditional festivals in the
Southern and Eastern part of Spain. It
celebrates the re-capture of Spain from
the Arabs in the 12th and 13th Century.
The locals dress-up in magnificent colourful
costumes, generally handmade by themselves,
and re-enact the battle between the Moors
and Christians to capture the castle.
It
is always a wonderful spectacle with much
eating, drinking and a celebration for
all the family.
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An
image presentation you can find
under the following link: |
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Easter
Week. Declared National Tourist Interest |
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Easter
week is one of the most heartfelt and deep-rooted
fiestas celebrated in Spain. This commemoration
has centuries of history and tradition, remembering
the passion and death of Jesus Christ. The streets
of the majority of Spain's cities, towns and villages
become the stage for religious fervour and devotion,
combining grief and meditation in memory of Christ's
death. Music, art and colour come together in
magical processions - solemn parades in which
crowds of people accompany religious images on
their route through the streets.
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Perhaps
the most important local festivities in Orihuela
are the Holy Week celebrations, listed as being
of Touristic Interest (dates vary from March to
April). As of Palm Sunday, processions are held
every day, and the locals carry the sculpted 18th
century effigy (paso) of Christ by
Salzillo, silver thrones, banners and flowers,
accompanied by music and the march of the Nazarenes.
The
most spectacular procession is the Holy Burial
held on Easter Sunday, in which the unique 17th
century paso by Nicolás de Bussi called
La Diablesa is brought out. This "she-devil"
is so called because the devil is shown surrounded
by nude female forms. This curious paso is not
allowed to enter local churches. The procession
is led by the Caballero Cubierto, the hooded rider,
who enjoys an ancient privilege or tradition of
being allowed to enter the cathedral with covered
head.
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Mercado
Medieval de Orihuela |
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A
spectacular medieval market, which featured
actors dressed up and behaving according
to the era, was hold in the town of Orihuela
from 1st to 3rd of February. This Medieval
Market is known like one "of the
biggest of Spain" and with 200 stands
was attracting thousands of visitors.
In addition to being able to get to know
all the different activities that were
done in the medieval age, visitors could
enjoy the wonderful cultural heritage
of Orihuela.
Street
bands, storytellers, musical magic and
various other acts was liven up the medieval
themed centre of Orihuela where visitors
also were able to view falconry, snake
charmers, knights, acrobats and amusing
games.
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The
image presentation you can find
under the following link: |
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