The Misteri is a liturgical drama in two acts about the death and assumption of the Virgin, sung entirely in medieval Valencian and Latin, performed in the Basilica de Santa María at Elche on 14 and 15 August. It has been staged there, without interruption, since the fifteenth century — the only medieval mystery play in Europe to survive in continuous performance.
All parts, including the Virgin, are sung by men and boys of the town. The machinery is part of the inheritance: a cloud-shaped lift descends from the dome carrying an angel, and the Araceli platform lifts the Virgin up into it.
UNESCO proclaimed it a masterpiece in 2001 and inscribed it in 2008.
No attendance figure is published; the basilica's capacity is the limit and entry is free but queued. Rehearsals in the preceding days are open and far easier to see.
PlanningFixed on 14–15 August, with rehearsals open to the public in the preceding days.