Misteri d'Elx (Mystery of Elche)
The Misteri d'Elx is a medieval liturgical drama depicting the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, performed entirely in verse and song inside the Basilica of Santa María. UNESCO declared it a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2001 — it has been performed uninterrupted since the 15th century.
Gallery
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
July
Moros y Cristianos de Villajoyosa
Villajoyosa's Moros y Cristianos features one of Spain's most spectacular beach landings — Moorish troops arrive by sea and storm the beach in a dramatic re-enactment of medieval battles.
April
Moros y Cristianos
The Moros y Cristianos (Moors and Christians) festivals are among Spain's most visually spectacular celebrations — elaborate historical re-enactments of the medieval battles between Christian and Muslim forces, performed with extraordinary costumes, gunpowder, music, and drama across dozens of cities and towns, primarily in the Valencia region and Andalusia.
March
Las Fallas
Las Fallas is one of Spain's most spectacular and UNESCO-recognised festivals — a stunning combination of art, fire, music, and Valencian pride. Every March, the city of Valencia fills its streets with hundreds of enormous satirical sculptures (fallas), only to burn them all to the ground in a magnificent midnight inferno on the final night.
August
La Tomatina
La Tomatina is one of the most unique and exhilarating festivals in the world. Every year, on the last Wednesday of August, the small town of Buñol, near Valencia, transforms into a battlefield of ripe tomatoes — and tens of thousands of visitors come from every corner of the globe to join the fun.