Elche: The Culture

Cuisine

Craftmanship

Fiestas

Most of Elche-Elx festivities find their origins in religious manifestations. Here they revolve mainly around the figure of the Blesses Virgin Mary.

Fiestas Patronales

Aug -10th until 15th

Thus the most outstanding festivities, for its originality, atmosphere and color, occur between the 10th and the 15th August in honor of the patron saint "Maredeu de L'Assumpcio" (Our lady of the Assumption). During these days a number of parades, floral offerings, open air dancing and fireworks are held.

The nucleus of all this merrymaking is the medieval "Festa" or "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 (la Consueta) is interpreted by non-professional singers from Elx (the Chapel and the Choir School). Declared as a National Monument in 1931, this is one of Spain's most curious festivities on 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.

On August 13th, "La Nit de l'alba" (The night of Daybreak), fireworks are offered from all the town's and country houses terraces, in honor of the patron saint.

Fiestas Venida de la Virgen

Dec-28th and 29th

These days mark the arrival of the Virgin from the sea. This ancient tradition was recorded in the early XVIIth century.

Romeria Sant Antoni and Romeria Sant Crispí

Jan 17th (closest Sunday) and Oct 25th (closest Sunday)

The traditional romerias, or pilgrimages to Sant Antoni and Sant Crispí (October 25th) are a heritage of the ancient artisan guilds of Elx.

Pobladores

Aug 4th until 9th

The fiestas of the Pobladores, or settlers, inspired from tales of the first inhabitants of the town, take place on July 28th. During the first week of August, Elx recalls the Age of the Reconquest with its feast of the Moors and Christians.

Holy Week

Easter period

Today's solemn Holy Week processions date from the 18th century, with the procession of the palms of the Palm Sunday dating from the 14th century. This festivity is listed as being of national tourist interest. Faith and cellebration find the perfect combination in the Alleluyah Parade (Resurrection Sunday).

During the rest of the year, there are other colorful feasts of interest. You can also attend each district (partida rural) celebrations to their own patron saints.

Cuisine

Standing out among the extensive repertoire of rice dishes prepared in Illicitan style is the savory arroz con costra, a paella-type rice topped with a crusty layer of omelet. Also characteristic of the area are the pipes i carasses (oven baked dry cod and sweet peppers), putxero amb terongetes (a stew with meatballs) and fresh mullet from the lagoon of Fondo with all i oli.

For desserts Elx offers another extensive list of sweetmeats such as date bread, fruits and the famous dates from local palms, not to mention torta d'Elx, a local cake made form almonds and liquid sugar. To accompany the sweets, Elx offers a cordial known as Cantueso Oro, a liqueur made by SYS Distillers since 1867, and also a date liqueur of more recent invention.

Craftmanship

The variety and originality of the craft industry in Elx has been maintained down through the generations to our days. A good example of this is the work of the artisans who use the white palm to create artistic palm fronds which are distributed throughout the country for use in Palm Sunday processions.