Mystery Play of Elche

WHERE: Elche, Spain
WHEN: 14 and 15 August 2023.

Santa Maria is a splendid Basilica, located in the center of Elche, built on the foundations of an ancient mosque.
In addition to the splendid Baroque architecture, the sacred place is known for hosting one of the masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Unesco Humanity: Mystery Play of Elche.

It is an ancient medieval theatrical representation, based on texts from the Apocryphal Gospels, with musical accompaniments of different eras, and texts mainly in the Valencian language. They tell, in two acts, of the Assumption of Mary.

The first act, represented the 14 Agosto, is that of the Vespers. The second act, the 15 day, is that of the Feast. In the 3 days preceding the event it is also possible to attend the general rehearsal. A moment of great charm where you can see, from close, the passion and dedication of all those who revolve around this extraordinary event.

The Mystery Play of Elche are, without a doubt, a truly unmissable appointment of the Valencian tradition and culture; an event that attracts many visitors every year. Its uniqueness also lies in the fact that it is the only work in the world represented within a Church.

Photo ©, Pablo Sanchez

PRACTICAL INFO

HOW TO GET

The best way to get there is by plane, landing at the Alicante-Elche international airport. The airport is connected, with direct flights, with many European capitals and destinations.

From the airport you can easily reach the center of Elche by bus. Outside the Terminal you will find the station where the 1A and 1B lines depart for the center and the main points of interest. The buses operate every day, from Monday to Sunday, from morning to 20:00 around with frequencies of one hour on weekdays and two hours on Saturday and Sunday.
The ticket can be purchased on board and costs 1.50€.

The Basilica of Santa Maria is located in the city center, and can be easily reached on foot. Anyone wishing to use public transport can arrive by bus using the lines E, H, J, F, R1; go down to the Santa Maria stop (113).