Misteri D´Elx

This is a reenactment originally created by a local medieval order and represents a living history of the people Elche. It is not run by the church but depicts the last moments of life of the Virgin. It is wonderful, but difficult to summarize. I think moments like the opening of "les portes cel" and the appearance of "Núvol," the scene of "Ternari" (very exciting), the descent of the angel Araceli, or the descent of the two angels playing a guitar and a harp, are small examples which give you an idea of the elaborately theatrical nature of this festival.

These plays happen on the 11th, 12th and 13th of August, and then 14th is the eve to the large closing fiesta which happens on the 15th. The acts for the coming year are decided between the 30th of October and 1st of November.

Anyone who likes culture will be blown away by this work of art, but only those from Elche can truly understand the emotions behind the songs and the images of the Misteri.

You can’t miss it.

The Misteri d'Elx is the truest sign of the city's cultural identity. Declared a UNESCO Heritage Site it is s a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, a representation of medieval roots, divided into two acts that is staged every year on 14 and 15 August in the interior of the Basilica of Santa Maria. A song drama that recreates the Assumption and Coronation and Death of the Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus, and that as a whole has many historical and artistic aspects worthy of consideration. This is the only work of its kind that remains today despite the prohibitions arising from the Council of Trent concerning performances inside churches, a fact which makes it a very valuable piece for the study of theater in medieval European religion.