The Nit de L'Albà de Elche (Alicante) has been recognized as a Festival of National Tourist Interest after the signature of the declaration by the Secretary of State for Tourism, Fernando Valdés, after verifying that the request made by the Municipality of the municipality complies with the requirements established in Order ICT / 851/2019, of July 25.
“This amazing pyrotechnic show in which the entire city participates has its origin in the Middle Ages, when already then the people of Elche were firing rockets in honor of the Virgin of La Asunción, patron saint of their city. Due to its antiquity, its originality, and its roots in the locality, the Nit de L’Albà deserves to be distinguished as of National Tourist Interest ”, he valued Fernando Valdes after signing the resolution.
The night of August 13 marks the beginning of the great days of Elche, when the Mystery of Elche is represented, declared by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
More than 300 fireworks palm trees
In a period of 45 minutes, in the Nit de L'Albà more than 300 palm trees of colored fireworks are fired from different parts of the city that are sponsored by individuals, companies, businesses, entities and associations, in coordination with the City Council . The show ends with the shooting of the Virgin's Palm, which reaches a height of 300 meters and an opening of 700 meters in diameter and becomes visible from neighboring towns such as Santa Pola, Crevillent or Alicante.
When this palm tree is turned off, a metallic structure of just over three meters high with flares on the bell tower of the basilica lights up, which forms the silhouette of the patron saint, moments before the residents of Elche begin to sing in unison from terraces, balconies and windows the popular habanera 'Aromas elicitanos'.
To refresh the throats after the excitement, heat and gunpowder, it is customary to eat the traditional watermelon tonight.
La Nit de l'Albà is a unique pyrotechnic show, not only because of the intensity of the gunpowder that is used, but also because of the involvement of thousands and thousands of people from Elche and Elche who make this celebration a connecting link and symbol of cultural identity of the town of Elche.
