The city of Elche was once again the setting for a singular competition: the World Date Throwing Championship. This event, now in its fifteenth edition, has evolved from an anecdotal proposal into one of the most anticipated and beloved fixtures on the Illicitan festive calendar, bringing together residents and curious onlookers in the Altabix neighborhood.
Parque de la Cuerna came alive for the championship, organized by the Cultural and Sports Association “Peña Altabix”. The event has grown significantly, establishing itself as a genuine neighborhood festival that attracts both regular participants and new curious individuals eager to try their luck in this unconventional discipline. The mechanics are simple: throw a date as far as possible, using techniques ranging from shot put style to more creative methods that elicit laughter from the audience.
In a world where almost everything seems invented, Elche has managed to stand out by betting on the simple, the familiar, and the surprising. Because, in the end, it's not just about throwing a date as far as possible, but about celebrating a community's ability to laugh, compete, and come together around something as small as it is extraordinary.
This year, the world title in the adult category went to young Illicitan Samuel San José, who, in his debut, achieved a throw of 11 meters. This mark allowed him to overcome veterans such as Tono López and Miguel Ángel Sánchez. However, the absolute record of 14.43 meters, set by Tono López in 2017, remains unbroken and is considered almost unattainable.
The championship also made room for future generations. In the children's category, Hugo Mirete won with a throw of 6.98 meters, followed by Lucas Mingorance and Jorge Mirete, demonstrating that the spirit of fun and competition remains alive among the youngest. One of the most anticipated moments was the participation of Isidoro Baides, popularly known as “the brother-in-law,” who served as Honorary Date Thrower 2026, marking the start of the day with a humorous throw.
After the competition, the park transformed into a space for coexistence where neighbors and visitors shared paellas and barbecues, extending the celebration into the night with music by DJ Giny. Carlos San José, president of the organization, highlighted the event's evolution, which has grown from a local initiative into a symbol of identity and an unexpected ambassador for the city of Elche.
