The Mystery Play of Elx

El Misteri d'Elx, the most genuine hallmark of our town, is a liturgical drama dating from the Middle Ages that commemorates the Ascention, the Assumption and the Coronation of Mary. It is performed in the Basilica de Santa María on 14 (Act I) and 15 August (Act II) of each year. The days 11th, 12th and 13th take place the so called Assajos generals (extraordinary representations). Moreover, there are also extraordinary representations on 29 and 30 October and on 1 November of the even-numbered years.

Its medieval origins date back more than five hundred years -second half of the 15th century- and it has survived up to the present day thanks to a papal bull issued by Urban VIII in 1632. After the Council of Trent all performances were prohibited inside the Christian temples. The perserverance of the locals (ilicitanos) has turned El Misteri into the last remains of those kind of performances.

The music comes from several periods and styles. It combines the medieval, baroque and Renaissance melodies, and it includes some examples of monody and polyphony. It is performed by nonprofessional singers and choir students. They are all men, including the part of Our Lady, for in the Middle Ages women could not participate in plays.

El Misteri is an unique perfomarce due to its complex mise-en-scène.

On 18 May 2001, the UNESCO declared el Misteri one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Enjoy el Misteri.

We strongly recommend attending one of the performances. In order to do so, you may contact the CASA DE LA FESTA by calling the following number: 965 456 112. Opening times: 9.30 - 13.30. Web: www.servicam.com Tel. 902 444 300. Tickets are usually on sale three months in advance.

If your stay in Elx does not coincide with the performances of el Misteri, you might visit the Museu de la Festa, a museum which was built for the purpose of showing the magic of El Misteri. It offers a superb showing and there is an exhibiton of several objects of el Misteri. Moreover, there is a mock-up of the Santa María Basilica that shows the stage where it is performed and the height of the Basilica.