Training at our Alhama de Murcia flight school is so much more than earning your Commercial Pilot’s Licence, it’s about diving headfirst into the rich culture, vibrant traditions, and warm community that make this region unforgettable!
From colourful street festivals to centuries-old processions, your time here will be filled with moments that rival the thrill of take-off. You won’t just be building flight hours; you’ll be building memories that stay with you long after you’ve earned your wings.
After all, every Pilot knows: the most rewarding journeys are those where the destinations are extraordinary… and the moments in between are even better.
1. Los Mayos de Alhama – First Weekend of May
Every spring, Alhama transforms into an open-air art gallery for Los Mayos, a festival recognised as an event of National Tourist Interest. Streets and squares are decorated with scarecrow-like figures called “mayos”, representing satirical scenes, pop culture, and local traditions.
As a pilot in training, you’ll love how the town’s creativity rivals even the most intricate flight plan. You can stroll through the displays, enjoy traditional Murcian music, and taste local dishes like paparajotes.
2. Virgen del Rosario – October
In October, Alhama honours its patron saint, the Virgen del Rosario, with processions, open-air concerts, and religious ceremonies. It’s a mix of old tradition and joyful community gatherings.
For our student Pilots, this is a great time to connect with locals and see the town at its most welcoming. The streets are lined with flowers, and there’s an unmistakable atmosphere of gratitude and pride!
3. Semana Santa – Last Week of March
Semana Santa, also known as, Holy Week is one of Spain’s most famous celebrations, and Alhama’s version is both intimate and breathtaking. Ornate religious floats, candlelit processions, and traditional marching bands fill the streets with reverence and beauty.
If you’re used to the calm discipline of a pre-flight checklist, you’ll appreciate the precision and choreography of this centuries-old tradition. Watching the processions wind through Alhama’s historic streets is an experience you won’t forget.
4. Entierro de la Sardina – Last Week of April
While not unique to Alhama, the Entierro de la Sardina in nearby Murcia City is a quirky, exuberant festival worth the short trip. It’s a symbolic “burial of the sardine” marking the end of Lent, complete with huge parades, colourful floats, marching bands, and a massive firework finale.
5. Bando de la Huerta – Second to Last Week of April
Also in Murcia City, the Bando de la Huerta celebrates the region’s agricultural traditions with folk costumes, music, and street food. Locals dress in traditional huertano clothing, and stalls offer regional delicacies.
For flight school students, it’s an unbeatable opportunity to taste the flavours of the region and understand its rural heritage. Just like aviation, this is about respecting the past while embracing the present.
Alongside your time in the classroom, the town of Alhama de Murcia offers a deeper education rooted in history, tradition, and connection. The festivals, local flavours, and community spirit you encounter here will enrich your training experience, giving you a sense of place that goes beyond flight hours. From observing the meticulous choreography of Semana Santa processions to engaging with locals during the vibrant celebrations of Los Mayos, every interaction adds cultural insight that complements your technical training. These experiences teach adaptability, awareness, and an appreciation for the communities you may one day serve as a professional pilot. This is where technical skill meets cultural understanding, shaping not just competent aviators, but well-rounded professionals ready to navigate a global career.
Your training here in Alhama de Murcia is a chapter you’ll always remember, not just for the skills you gain in the cockpit but for the memories you make once you’ve landed. From the excitement of local fiestas to the warmth of the community, every moment adds a new layer to your story on your Integrated Pilot Training Course.
