Nit de l'albá, night of the dawn, Elche, Spain

by Laura Battiato

Title

Nit de l'albá, night of the dawn, Elche, Spain

Artist

Laura Battiato

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

La Nit de l'Albà (Noche de la Alborada or night of the Dawn) in Elche is a festive ceremony held in the Spanish city of Elche on the occasion of the festivities of the city in honor of Our Lady of the Assumption. It is celebrated every year on August, the 13th. At 23:15, people continuously shoot fireworks from the terraces of buildings, creating an unrivaled pyrotechnic show (in 2008 were cast net 17.000 kg of gunpowder). This tradition, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was originally a way that had the families to thank the Virgin the children who had (launching a rocket for each child). At 23:55, the City cut power to the city center, to create total darkness. Moments later begins to sound, wrapped in such darkness, the Hymn of the Coronation of the Mystery of Elche and 00.00 is launched from the Basilica of Santa Maria a palm rocket (several thousand of them), totaling about 300 meters high. They are deployed within 800 meters, illuminating much of the city as if it were day. Hence the name: The Night of Dawn. The brightness is maintained for about a minute and then, from the tower of the basilica an image of the Virgin of the Assumption held flares shown. In the while, the habanera Aromas Ilicitanos (unofficial anthem of Elche) sounds by powerful speakers all around the center of the city.

Image provided by Getty Images.

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October 17th, 2020

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