Elche (Alicante) local festivals
Elche celebrates its main fiestas in the month of August, in which different events and ceremonies are organised. Those who visit the city during this period find these traditions extremely interesting.
Moors and Christians (8th – 12th August)
From 8th August until 12th August, the streets of Elche are filled with light, colour and music thanks to the Moros y Cristianos (literally in English “Moors and Christians”) parade. This event celebrates and commemorates the Christian victory over the Moors at the hands of Jaime I the Conqueror’s army.
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/moros-y-cristianos/
Nit de l’Albà (13th August)
The night of 13th August is, quite simply, the most magical night of the year in Elche. At eleven o’clock at night, hundreds of fireworks are launched from the rooftops all over the city, lighting up the city’s skies and creating a powerful feeling and image that few, once they have experienced it, will forget. The scent of gunpower and the noise of fireworks cease an hour later when, at midnight, darkness descends upon the city to await the explosion of the “Palmera de la Virgen”, an immense palm tree-shaped firework that illuminates the sky above Elche. A truly magical occasion not to be missed!
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/nit-de-lalba/
La Roà (14th August)
14th August is the night all young Ilicitanos look forward to most. They let their hair down, dancing in the street, in the typical barracas (stalls), and in bars and nightclubs. The bars are moved out on to the city’s streets, so that everyone can take part in one huge party. The fun goes on until dawn and does not end until breakfast, when people order the typical churros con chocolate, trying to recharge their batteries after a night out on the town!
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/nit-de-la-roa/
The Misteri d’Elx (14th – 15th August)
On 18 May 2001, UNESCO declared the Misteri d’Elx World Heritage. Dating back to medieval times, it is a religious and theatrical performance of song which narrates the story of the death, ascention and subsequent coronation of the Virgin Mary. It is divided into two acts, “La Vesprà” which takes place at the Basilica of Santa María on 14 August and “La Festa”, on the following day. As well as the quality of the singers and the spectacular manner in which it is performed, one of its most impressive moments is when the actors are lifted down to earth from heaven, using special apparatus.
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/misteri-delx/
Medieval Fair (October/November)
In the months of October and November, Elche travels back in time to another era, thanks to its traditional Medieval Fair. The medieval market is a hub of activity, where you can purchase hand-crafted items or try a wide variety of delicious food. You can also take in the various street perfomances and plays on offer, or visit workshops, recitals and musical seminars. Jongleurs and merchants invade the streets, providing us with an intriguing insight into what life was like back in medieval times.
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/festival-medieval/
The Coming of the Virgin (28th December)
In the early hours of 28 December, the Ilicitanos abandon the city and head to the beach to spend the night there, patiently awaiting the arrival of their patron saint, who will appear out at sea. According to local legend, the coastguard Francesc Cantó, whose job it was to look after the local beaches, came across a chest out at sea which contained the image of the Virgin of the Assumption (Patron Saint of Elche) and the book with the instructions for the representation of the Misteri d’Elx. Each year, by way of commemorating that key event in Elche’s history, the Ilicitanos make the journey to the coast to then accompany the Virgin in a pilgrimage to the city.
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/fiestas-de-la-venida-de-la-virgen/
Holy Week in Elche (March/April)
Another important moment in the city’s diary is Holy Week, a religious holiday, which commences on Palm Sunday. A procession takes places through the streets of Elche, the Ilicitanos carrying white palm leaves with them as they walk. The work of local craftspeople deserves a special mention. They plait and whiten the palms, turning them into real works of art. There are several more processions, lasting until Easter Sunday, full of images of the Passion and Death of Jesus Christ.
The procession of Hallelujah is the final act in this important week for the city. It remembers the resurrection of Christ and his reencounter with his mother. The locals throw “hallelujahs” (small pieces of coloured paper covered in religious imagery) from the balconies of their houses, which then float through the streets, creating a colourful, joyous atmosphere.
Further information: https://www.visitelche.com/en/world-heritage/semana-santa/
