The Misterio de Elche (or “Misteri de Elx” in the Valencian dilect), is a mystery play that represents the Dormition, Assumption and Coronation of the Virgin Mary. Since at least the 14th century, possibly earlier, it has been performed each year in the Basilica of the Virgin Mary in Elche, Spain, in two parts, the first on the evening of August 14th at Vespers, and the second on the feast day itself. The article on Spanish Wikipedia (El Misterio de Elche) gives a pretty thorough account of it. (Google translate via Chrome works very well with Spanish.) Here are complete videos of the two parts of the play; there is a lot of very nice music, and it is staged with several impressive devices and stage machines, including a chandelier-like structure that is lowered from the church’s ceiling to bring the Virgin Mary up to heaven.
La Vespra
La Festa
