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Virgin of Fuensanta pilgrimage closes streets in Murcia today
Cartagena prepares for its famous Carthaginians and Romans festival next week
Today, Tuesday September 16th, Murcia welcomes the annual pilgrimage of the Virgin of Fuensanta, affectionately called “La Morenica,” as she returns to her sanctuary in Algezares. The event begins early at 7:00 a.m. at Murcia Cathedral in Cardenal Belluga Square, and after a journey through the city, finishes around 3:00 p.m. at the sanctuary. A large crowd is expected to accompany the Virgin throughout the day.Streets closed for pilgrimage
The pilgrimage causes multiple street closures and traffic restrictions across Murcia throughout the morning and early afternoon. Key affected streets include:
- Arenal Street
- The Glorieta
- Tomás Maestre Street
- Martínez Tornel Square
- Peligros Bridge
- Canalejas Avenue
- Camachos Square
- Alameda de Colón
- Hermanos Cerón
- Torre de Romo
- Pío XII Street
- Ronda Sur
- Progreso Avenue
- Region of Murcia Avenue
- Plaza José Canalejas
- Saavedra Fajardo
- Subida Fuensanta Street
These streets will remain closed or heavily restricted to ensure the smooth passage and safety of the pilgrimage, with local police managing checkpoints and crowd control. Councilor Fulgencio Perona described the operation’s goal “to guarantee the safety and well-being of all attendees, making the massive influx of citizens compatible with the normal development of daily activities in the city and around the Sanctuary.”
Free public transport and shuttle services
To ease movement, Murcia is providing free public transport services including buses and trams throughout the day. Early buses start from 6 a.m. on lines serving neighbouring districts to bring pilgrims timely to the Cathedral. A shuttle runs continuously between Murcia and Algezares from 7 a.m., departing from the Espinosa stop on Floridablanca Street, for those who prefer public transport to reach the sanctuary.
Looking ahead to Cartagena’s Carthaginians and Romans festival
From September 19th to 28th, Cartagena will host the internationally renowned Carthaginians and Romans festival, recreating dramatic historical events in a vivid and colourful celebration.
The festival zone, including the Festive Camp near Cartagonova Stadium, will have strict vehicle and parking restrictions during these dates. Traffic closures will be enforced on many streets, especially during parades and major events such as the Battle of Cuesta del Batel and the Great Roman Circus. Major roadblocks and parking bans will apply on key streets such as Avenida del Cantón, Plaza de España, Alameda de San Antón, Soldado Rosique street, and others.
Authorities warn that any vehicles parked in prohibited zones during the festivities may be reported and towed to ensure safety and unimpeded operations. Taxis will have designated stops near Cartagonova Stadium, and visitor parking is encouraged at the former Festero Camp and La Rambla Shopping Centre.
These measures ensure smooth and safe experiences for participants and spectators of this spectacular historical festival, one of the highlights of the region’s cultural calendar.
Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena
