16 Jun 2015
Spain is famous worldwide for its passion for music, dance, history and culture, and lovers of the arts can enjoy an abundance of each when they visit the Costa Cálida in the Region of Murcia this summer – with three-night breaks available from just €133 per person.
The region will be celebrating arts and culture of all descriptions at a series of festivals throughout July and August, with a host of distinguished performers lined up to showcase an array of music from across the world, theatrical skills and traditional Spanish flamenco.
Taking pride of place on the 2015 summer calendar will be the 55th staging of the Cante de las Minas, one of the most important flamenco events in the world which will be held from August 5-15.
The 10-day dance extravaganza annually attracts a first-class field of international competitors including singers, musicians and dancers, with world-renowned performers such as Paco de Lucia and Camarón among those who have competed for the coveted miner's lamp trophy.
The busy festival period begins a month earlier with the 18th San Javier International Jazz Festival. Taking place from July 3-31, it is widely regarded as one of Spain's best jazz festivals, with the likes of Jackson Browne, Brad Mehldau Trio, and Dianne Reeves among the star names performing this year.
A range of very different musical styles will be on show later in the month when Cartagena hosts La Mar de Músicas from July 17-25, with the audience being treated to a wide array of sounds this year including boogie, futuristic jazz, techno, neofolk, joik and fusion.
Those people unable to visit Cante de las Minas can still take in some authentic flamenco celebration at Lo Ferro. The small town of less than 500 inhabitants has welcomed visitors to the popular Festival del Cante Flamenco de Lo Ferro for more than 25 years and even has its own flamenco singing style called La Ferreña. This year's event will be held from July 17-26.
San Javier will again become a cultural hotspot when it stages the 46th Festival de Teatro, Música y Danza from August 1-21, bringing together the best music, drama, dance and comedy.
And the Region of Murcia also offers a wealth of Roman, Phoenician and Moorish history to discover, with the ancient cities of Cartagena and Murcia featuring numerous archaeological delights to explore.
Cartagena's ancient Roman theatre and the impressive Roman Forum District are just two examples of the fascinating historical attractions on offer in the region, together with Murcia's internationally-renowned Catedral de Santa María, which dates back to 1394 and boasts a blend of Gothic and Baroque-style architecture.
And the four-star Hotel Lodomar Spa & Talasoterapia in nearby San Pedro del Pinatar offers the ideal base to enjoy the wealth of music and culture available in the region this summer.
Based on two people sharing a double room, three-night bed-and-breakfast breaks can be booked until December 31 from only €133 per person and also include entry into a number of attractions including the Roman theatre and Roman forum at Cartagena, Murcia's Cathedral and Salzillo Museum and the Museum del Paso Blanco, Paso Azul and Castle in Lorca.
For more information about the Region of Murcia's 'Cultural Package' and to book, go to http://www.murciaturistica.es/en/offer?ficha=cultural-package---murcia-region-2238&empresa_oferta=serintur
To discover more about the Region of Murcia, visit www.murciaturistica.es.
ENDS
Issued by The Azalea Group.
For more information on the Region of Murcia or images contact Luke Frary on 01730 711924 or email luke@theazaleagroup.com
INFORMATION FOR JOURNALISTS
The Costa Cálida, Region of Murcia is an ideal leisure and sport destination for UK travelers. The area offers year-round sunshine with an average temperature of 19.4ºC and 315 days sun a year. The picturesque region is just two hours from the UK by plane.
Located in the south-east of Spain, the Region of Murcia is in a privileged setting within the Mediterranean basin and includes 252km of coastline, known as the 'Costa Cálida' or warm coast. Visitors can take their pick from numerous sandy beaches; a variety of water sports and diving locations; 17 top-quality golf courses, all within easy reach of each other; delicious culinary delights; relaxing spas; and the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside and regional parks.
The Mar Menor is a saltwater lagoon with warm shallow waters, gentle wind, sheltered coastline and many hotel facilities and sports infrastructures which make it the ideal setting for water sports at any time of year, for all tastes and ages. Here visitors can enjoy kite surfing, canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, water skiing and much more. You can also enjoy diving in the marine reserve of Islas Hormigas, settled in Cabo de Palos, which has been recognised as one of the best places for diving anywhere along the Mediterranean and where you can explore everything from historical wrecks to amazing underwater landscapes.
There is always something going on in the region with a host of big events and festivals taking place throughout the year including the international music festival 'SOS 4.8' in Murcia at the beginning of May, or the varied summer festivals including 'La Mar de Músicas' in Cartagena or the International Jazz Festival in San Javier, both in July. Visitors can also enjoy August's 'El Cante de Las Minas Flamenco Festival' in La Unión.
The Region of Murcia is the perfect holiday destination at any time of the year, whatever your passion.
