Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival

Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival

Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival

Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival Fiestas of the Virgin’s Arrival

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Date: December 28th and 29th

According to tradition, on the night of December 28th coastguard Francesc Cantó, who was keeping watch over Elche’s coast, found a chest containing an image of the Virgin of the Assumption and the “Consueta”, the libretto for the Elche Mystery Play.
At 15:00 hours every December 28th Cantó leaves Huerto de les Portes Encarnaes on horseback to proclaim his discovery to the Town Council. After a mayoral communication has been published, a committee sets out to collect the chest. Once the committee has arrived at Huerto de les Portes Encarnades, the Virgin is borne in procession to the Basilica de Santa María.
On years with an even number a pilgrimage commemorating the event is held, setting out from Santa Pola to Elche. It starts at 07:30 at Santa Pola’s Tamarit beach and finishes in Hort de les Portes Encarnaes.

 
 

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