Santa Cruz – Huerta, History and Tradition

The Huerta, the Río Segura, architectural history and religious traditions offer a range of ways to explore the area. Are you most interested in historic buildings, the September festivals or the history of the landscape? This question can help you plan when to travel and what to focus on during your stay. If you would like to experience a particular celebration or tradition, include the events calendar in your planning.

Huerta, River and Architectural History

The Ermita Vieja de Santa Cruz stands beside the riverbed of the Río Segura. It is a specific point of interest for travelers interested in architecture and the river landscape. The Huerta also has a place in the area’s history: according to the most widely accepted theory, Santa Cruz was home to a settlement of the Moorish group or family “Benizá,” who prepared the land for cultivation and dug irrigation channels. This account highlights the links between settlement, cultivation and water management.

The parish church has specific construction dates: work began in 1943 and was completed in 1952. A different type of building is the one known as “la fábrica del Catalán,” considered an example of Neo-Baroque industrial architecture. Together, the two buildings offer a useful comparison between a church with a documented construction period and an industrial building notable for its architectural style. Visitors interested in the town’s development can explore both its timeline and its architectural styles.

Traditions and When to Visit

The Hermandad de Nuestra Sra. del Rosario, known as the “auroros de Santa Cruz,” was founded in 1821—the same year Santa Cruz became its own municipality. The shared date links the history of the brotherhood with the town’s municipal independence and provides a clear historical reference point. The local festivities in honor of Cristo de la Expiración are held in September. On the final day, there is a procession and a fireworks display. Exact dates and individual program details may vary; if you are planning your stay around a festival, check the dates for the year you intend to travel.

Another tradition is the Vía Crucis, which is still held along the Huerta paths and leads to the old Ermita Vieja. Dates and access arrangements may vary. For trip planning, it is worth considering this tradition separately from the September festivals: the Vía Crucis follows a route to a particular destination, while the festival is centered on the September celebrations and its program of events. Check the date and access arrangements in advance if you are planning a visit around it.

Local Cuisine in the Huerta

La Seda is a particular point of interest for food lovers. The restaurant is located in a 17th-century palace in the Huerta and serves seasonal cuisine made with local products. This brings together a historic building and a seasonal, locally sourced approach to cooking—appealing both to travelers interested in architecture and to guests who appreciate local produce. Opening hours, menus and services may change, so check the current offerings before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Cartagena, San Pedro Del Pinatar, Torre-Pacheco, Los Sáez, Mula, El Sabinar, Alhama De Murcia, Santa Gertrudis.

For the wider travel overview: Murcia.