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What you Shouldn't miss Jumilla


What you Shouldn't miss

A PLACE

SANTA ANA DEL MONTE MONASTERY

This Franciscan convent, founded in 1573, is located in the middle of a pine wood in the Sierra de Santa Ana, an emblematic natural setting conducive to meditation and inner peace.

In the 17th Century, a figure of Christ crucified known as 'Cristo de la Reja' or Christ of the Railing was hung from the vault and, according to legend, when the friars were praying, unnailed his right hand and blessed the community three times.

In the chapel, you can see the image of Christ tied to the Column, a magnificent sculpture in cypress wood, commissioned by the friars from Francisco Salzillo. Since the 19th Century, the image has been taken out in pilgrimage for the Easter Week and Palm Sunday processions.

The Marquis of Villena, a devout follower of Santa Ana, sent many of the relics that still remain at the convent from Italy, making it the third most important reliquary in Spain. Another highlight of the monastery is the museum, set up with items brought back from around the world and donated by the friars.


AN EVENT

LAS FIESTAS DE LA VENDIMIA -GRAPE HARVEST FESTIVAL-

Declared of Regional Tourist Interest, this festival takes place around the 15th of August, when Jumilla honours its patron, Our Lady of the Assumption. It also coincides with two other major celebrations in the town, the Moors and Christians festival and the National Folklore Festival.

The Fiestas de la Vendimia came about on the initiative of a group of local bodega owners until, a few years ago, groups and associations of agriculturists began to take part, resulting in the formation of a number of 'peñas' or festival clubs, united under the umbrella of the 'Federación de Peñas de la Fiesta de la Vendimia'.

All the festival activities revolve around wine and wine-related culture, depicting all the tasks involved in wine-making, such as grape-picking, treading, wine-making and tasting. The numerous organised events ensure fun for all ages and include the inauguration of the wine fountain, the offering of grapes and the first must to the image of Child Jesus with the Grapes, a children's parade, wine parade, etc.


TYPICAL CUISINE

El gazpacho jumillano. Of Jewish origin, prepared with pieces of unleavened wheat flour pastry, a variety of game hare, partridge, rabbit etc and mountain snails.

La gachamiga. A calorie-laden winter dish with a deep-rooted popular tradition due to its simplicity. The ingredients are flour, oil, garlic, water and salt.

Relleno o pelotas. A typical Christmas Day dish, although now made at any time of year. Made using bread crumbs soaked in water or milk, minced liver or pork, eggs, garlic and parsley, seasoned to taste and made into meatballs that are cooked in the broth from the typical 'cocido' stew.

Empanadas de patata. Very common at Easter, these pasties are prepared with pastry made with flour, oil, water and salt, filled with fried potatoes, tuna, hard-boiled egg, pepper, pine nuts and parsley.

Queso de cabra frito con tomate. Fresh goat's cheese made using milk from the indigenous Murciano-Granadina breed. The cheese is fried in olive oil and served with a tomato sauce.

Queso de Murcia al Vino. A speciality cheese with its own Protected Designation of Origin, made with pasteurised Murciano-Granadina goat's milk and then steeped in red wine, producing a creamy and elastic textured cheese with a pleasantly sharp taste, little salt and a mild aroma.


TREKKING

For those who love mountain biking or exploring nature on foot, Jumilla offers endless possibilities. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful wild plant and animal life in the Sierra Larga, the Sierra de El Carche (a Regional Natural Park), the Sierra del Buey and the Sierra de Santa Ana. Another of the attractions is the Botanical Garden in the agricultural town of La Estacada, which is home to more than 150 plant species; "Jumillita", in the La Celia mines, which are of roman origin and global geological interest; or the rock paintings in the Barranco del Buen Aire.
 
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