UNCOVER A CENTURIES-OLD ‘MYSTERY’ IN VALENCIA

Visitors who travel to the Costa Blanca this August will be treated to a truly outstanding musical event. The moving music and scenes at the annual performance of the Misterio de Elche, a medieval mystery play that represents the Death and Assumption of Virgin Mary into heaven, will take place on August 14 and 15 at the Basilica de Santa Maria in Elche, near Alicante in the Spanish region of Valencia.

The play, declared a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2001, is performed by amateur soloists and a children’s choir. The scenery and props are truly impressive, with the church’s dome completely covered with a painted canvas representing the heavens and the use of spectacular aerial stage devices (some dating from the 16th century) to carry the actors. The work dates from the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century, though it quite probably had antecedents earlier in the Middle Ages.

On August 14 and 15 entrance to the performance is free, although spaces are usually in great demand. Alternatively, visitors can get a ticket to watch the general rehearsals on August 11, 12 and 13 for about $9, or 7 euros.) This year, as with all even numbered years, there are additional performances, which will take place from October 29 to 1 November 1.

Just 20 minutes from Alicante airport, the city of Elche is renowned for its exotic palm grove, also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elche also has a rich archaeological heritage, as it was here that the enigmatic Lady of Elche Iberian stone bust, dating from the 4th century BC (now in the Prado Museum in Madrid) was found. Visitors can enjoy the city’s museums and historic buildings, as well as five and a half miles of white sandy beaches nearby.

For more information about the region of Valencia, you can go to www.comunitatvalenciana.com.