The protected woodland of this part of Spain is packed with local game. If you get the opportunity gorge your self on the grilled rabbit, hare, partridge and quail.
The first day of festivities start with a blessing of Virgin of Fuensanta, the patron of the city. From here colorful floats travel around the city. My advice is to locate yourself at one of the many excellent tapas bars en route, enjoy a glass of the local Jumilla region wine and let the carnival atmosphere come to you.
The following Saturday the celebrations take a bizarre twist. Perhaps the most extraordinary festivity of the year it all involves the burning of a sardine effigy and marks the mourning and end of the festivity.
Brass bands, stilt walkers, Chinese dragons, dancers and marching precessions festoon the city streets to the sound of Spanish music. Partying goes on late into the night so be sure to take your best flamenco dancing shoes.
During September Mucia comes alive again to celebrate the City's patron saint La Virgen de la Fuensanta, parades, folk lore and pageants paint the perfect setting for this Autumnal festival.
Several smaller festivals, such as the pop music, film, bullfighting and Mediterranean folk lore festivals are incorporated in to the main festival, and take place in separate locations. Be sure to scourer the tourist information center so you don't miss anything. There are even performance pieces from Mucia's twin town of Lodz in Poland, the atmosphere is sure to be electric in this truly international festival.