Elche Celebrates Easter Sunday with Traditional Procession of the Aleluyas

Thousands of colorful prints filled the streets of Elche in a celebration that culminates Holy Week.

Image of colorful 'aleluyas' falling from balconies during a procession in Elx.
IA

Image of colorful 'aleluyas' falling from balconies during a procession in Elx.

The city of Elche celebrated Easter Sunday with its emblematic Procession of the Aleluyas, a tradition that filled the streets with color and devotion, culminating Holy Week in Elche.

The procession began at 10:00 AM from the Basilica of Santa María, with the departure of the Risen Christ, accompanied by the Brotherhood of the Risen Christ and the Fervent Brotherhood of Nazarenes of the Flagellation and Glory. Shortly after, at 10:15 AM, the image of the patron saint, the Virgin of the Assumption, joined the procession.
One of the most anticipated moments occurred around 11:30 AM, at the intersection of Reina Victoria and Jorge Juan, where the traditional encounter between both images took place. Throughout the route, the streets were flooded with a shower of thousands of “aleluyas,” small colorful prints with religious allegories that the residents of Elche threw from balconies and terraces, keeping alive a custom dating back to the 18th century.

"The Procession of the Aleluyas is one of our most unique traditions, an explosion of color and faith that brings Holy Week in Elche to a close."

Pablo Ruz · Mayor of Elche
The procession continued through emblematic points of the urban center, such as Pont Nou, Plaça de Baix, or Corredora, until returning to the starting temple. As is customary, the Nazarenes participated without hoods, emphasizing the festive and open nature of this Easter celebration. Among the attendees, the presence of the city's mayor, Pablo Ruz, who accompanied this event, stood out. The day concluded with a solemn mass in the Basilica of Santa María.