Arenales del Sol Costa Blanca Spain

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In the middle of August, Elx celebrates the feast of its patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption. These are festivities of ancient tradition, and begin in the night of 13th August. At exactly midnight, darkness and silence invade the town for a few moments, until, springing forth from the Town Hall, a colossal firework palm tree illuminates the whole sky in coloured splendour. The festival chiefly owes its renown to the presentation of the Mystery Play of Elx (Misteri d'Elx), a play, set to music dating from the 15th Century, the main theme of which is the Annunciation and Assumption of the Virgin. Despite the modifications made to the text and music of the Mystery Play throughout the centuries, both conserve their medieval and popular aspect. The scene for this play is the spacious interior of the archpriestal church of Santa Maria, where a modest setting is installed. From the cupola, a small platform is gradually lowered, held by a thick cable, bringing the celestial personages into the scene. Finally, the Virgin is crowned in the air by the Holy Trinity in a truly emotive scene, representing the Assumption of body and soul into the heavens.

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