| Mystery play of Elche | |
|---|---|
 Frontispiece of the 1709 Consueta, or manuscript of the Misteri that contains the dialogue and score. | |
| Date(s) | 14 and 15 August |
| Frequency | Annual |
| Venue | Basilica de Santa María |
| Location(s) | Elche (Alicante), Spain |
| Fiesta of International Tourist Interest | |
| Designated | 1980 |
| Mystery play of Elche | |
|---|---|
| Country | Spain |
| Domains | Performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events |
| Reference | 18 |
| Region | Europe and North America |
| Inscription history | |
| Inscription | 2008 (3th session) |
| List | Representative |
The Misterio de Elche[1] (Spanish pronunciation: [misˈteɾjo ˈðe ˈeltʃe]), in English the Mystery Play of Elche[2] or Elche Mystery Play and in Catalan Misteri d'Elx (Valencian pronunciation: [misˈtɛɾi ˈðɛʎtʃ]), is a liturgical drama from the Middle Ages that reenacts the Dormition and Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The two-act mystery play is performed annually on 14 and 15 August in the Basilica de Santa María in the city of Elche. In 2001, UNESCO declared it one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity and, in 2008, inscribed it on its Representative List.
- ^ (in Spanish)El misterio de Elche - UNESCO
- ^ Mystery play of Elche - UNESCO