Night of the Drums (Noche de los tambores)

In Mula, Murcia, on the night of Holy Tuesday, the drum takes centre stage and does not stop playing until well into Holy Wednesday. It's the Night of the Drums, a traditional festival in which everyone who has a drum and a black tunic can take part.

The drumming of drums begins at midnight on Holy Tuesday in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento in Mula. From that moment on, the drum sets the rhythm and is the beating heart of the city until four in the afternoon on Wednesday. The tradition dates back to the mid-19th century and is a celebration open to anyone who wants to take part. Those who play the drum usually wear a black tunic and every so often they wear a hood. The wide participation of locals and tourists during these festivities means you are highly likely to come across Pánganas (a improvised show between drummers who compete to show who plays better and for longer).