The nucleus of all this merrymaking is the medieval Misteri d'Elx. Represented in 7th-century Basilica of Santa María, the Misteri is a lyrical drama from the late Middle Ages and represents the Assumption of the Virgin. The actual score is interpreted by non-professional singers from Elche or Elx as its known in the language of Valencia. Declared as a National Monument in 1931, this is one of Spain's most curious festivities of International Tourist interest. There are two acts: The Vespra and the Festa, held on August 14th and 15th, respectively. The local Tourist Information Office also provides information on the general rehearsals held on August 11th, 12th and 13th.
Legend tells that the origins of the festival can be traced to an apparition of the Virgin Mary off the coast of Elx to a soldier Francesc Cantó, who was on watch for pirate ships. A casket was recovered which contained the text and music for the play. What is certain is that the death of the Virgin is not recounted by the evangelists in the bible, and the story may have its origins in an apocryphal text that was in wide circulation in Europe in the medieval period. Tickets for the performances are hard to come by, but dress rehearsals takes place from the 11th to the 13th of August. The final rehearsal is followed by the Nit de Alba celebration, a spectacular fireworks display in the town square.
