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Along with Hannukah, Purim is one of the two Jewish festivals which are not included in the Torah, and is held to commemorate the salvation of the Jewish people from Achaemenid Empire, who were planning to have all of Persia's Jewish subjects killed (according to the Book of Esther. These plans were thwarted by Mordecai of the tribe of Benjamin, and Esther, Mordecai's cousin and adopted daughter, who had become queen of Persia.
The day of deliverance became a day of feasting and celebration among the Jews, and it is written that they “should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor”.
Nowadays Jews celebrate by exchanging gifts of food and drink, donating to the poor, eating a celebratory meal, and holding public readings of the Scroll of Esther. Some extend the celebration to the wearing of masks and costumes and organizing parades.
The official dates of Purim in 2023 are March 6 and 7.
For more local news, events and visiting information go to the home page of Lorca Today
Image: Arthur Szyk, Six paintings of Jewish holidays, (Wikicommons, public domain
To go to the dedicated Lorca section, Click Lorca
The rich and extensive history of Lorca has left a legacy of archaeological sites, and historic buildings, around which the modern City has built its tourism industry. Amongst these are Lorca Castle, the Jewish Quarter of the castle and Synagogue, 
Plaza de España, Colegiata de San Patricio, Museo de Arqueologico Municipal, Iglesia de San Francisco, Casa Huerto Ruano, Palacio de Guevara, Iglesia de San Mateo, Pósito de los Panaderos, Convento Virgen de las Huertas, Antiguo Convento de la Merced, Iglesia del Carmen and the Teatro Guerra.
Unfortunately Lorca has also been prone to natural disaster, suffering a Gota Fría on September 28th 2012, as well as an earthquake which measured 5.3 on the Richter scale on 11th May 2011 and claimed 9 lives. Since this earthquake the city has been rebuilding, winning recognition for its Lorca, Open for Restoration initiative, which used the restoration of the city as a tourist attraction whilst it rebuilt its historical buildings, some of which are currently still not open.
The tourist office itself has temporarily relocated until the renovations are completed and is inisde the Antiguo 
Convento de la Merced on the outskirts of the city beside the river where there is ample parking (paid parking).
Lorca also has an area of coastline incorporating the Parque Regional de Cabo Cope - Puntas de Calnegre, in the Sierra de Almenara, which includes the beaches of, Puntas de Calnegre, Baño de las Mujeres, San 
Pedro, El Siscal, Cala Honda, Cuartel del Ciscar, Junquera, Cala de la Gruta, Cala Leña, Los Hierros, Cala Blanca and Playa Larga, although many are accessible only through agricultural exploitations.
However, in spite of its many attractions, the name of Lorca is synonymous with Easter, (Semana Santa) its biblical parades of International Tourist Interest status and famous throughout Spain. The week includes a 
series of parades in which the whites (Paso Blanco) and blues (Paso Azúl) try to outdo each other with the magnificence of their embroideries and the skill and daring of their horsemen.
Lorca also has a Parador hotel, located within the complex of its historic castle.
Opening hours for Lorca Tourist Office:
Monday to Friday, 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 19.00. Saturday 10.00 to 14.00 and 16.30 to 18.30. Sunday 10.00 to 14.00.
Click for map, Lorca Tourist Office (NOTE: as of October 2015 both the Tourist Office and Lorca Taller del Tiempo are sharing temporary offices in a rehabilitated fragment of the old city wall at the entrance to the car park, due to imporvements being made to the car park and restoration work inthe Convento itself. The temporary office is just a few metres from the normal one, and opening hours are unaffected).
