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June 18-21 Lorca hosts the 2026 European Petanque Championship
Lorca will host athletes from across Europe as the city stages one of the sport's biggest annual events
From June 18 to 21, Lorca will become the European capital of pétanque as it hosts the 2026 European Pétanque Championships, one of the most important events on the sport's international calendar.
The championship is being organised by the Spanish Pétanque Federation (FEP) alongside the European Pétanque Confederation (CEP), with backing from Lorca City Council and the Region of Murcia.
More than thirty teams from across Europe are expected to take part, with the action taking place at the Huerto de la Rueda fairgrounds and the Alcalde Francisco Jódar Alonso Conference and Exhibition Centre.
Athletes will compete for European titles in the Men's Singles, Women's Singles, Men's Doubles, Women's Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories.
The European Pétanque Confederation said Lorca was chosen as host thanks to "the organisational experience of the Spanish Federation and the quality of the facilities that will host the competition".
Antonio Pérez Arcas, president of the Spanish Federation, said, "Spain is once again at the forefront of the international pétanque scene thanks to hosting this European Championship. Lorca has the ideal conditions to host an event of this nature, and we are confident that the athletes, coaches and fans will enjoy an exemplary competition from both a sporting and organisational perspective."
Councillor Juan Miguel Bayonas said it was "an honour for Lorca to host a championship of this magnitude, which will bring together the best European athletes in a discipline with a long tradition and deep roots in numerous countries, including our own", adding that the event would help boost the city's international profile and showcase its facilities.
Fran Sánchez highlighted the wider support from the regional government, noting that the Region of Murcia has hosted more than 150 major national and international sporting events this year.
He said welcoming 33 national teams to Lorca was "a great opportunity to showcase our image and generate economic and sporting activity", crediting the event's success to collaboration between government bodies, federations and clubs.
Full schedules and information are available on the Spanish Pétanque Federation's website and social media channels.
For more visiting information, local events and news contact the tourist office at the Palacio de Guevara (telephone 968 441914) or go to the home page of Lorca Today.
