The Local Government Board of Elche has greenlit the rules for the 16th Mascletàs Contest, scheduled for August 8th, 9th, 11th, 12th, and 14th, 2026. The location remains the intersection of Avenida Alcalde Vicente Quiles and Paseo de la Estación, starting at 2:00 PM. The aim is to enhance the festive program with pyrotechnic displays.

This year, the budget for each mascletà increases to 8,000 euros plus VAT (9,680 euros in total). The shows must last a minimum of 5 minutes and 30 seconds, with an authorized net explosive content between 80 and 150 kilograms. The evaluation will combine the judgment of a three-person jury with public voting from residents of Elche aged 16 and over.

The winning pyrotechnics company will earn the right to perform the Grand Firework Display at the closing of the festivals on August 15th, 2027, while the second-place finisher will execute an exhibition mascletà on the same day in 2027.

Furthermore, a funding request to the Secretaría de Estado de Cultura has been approved for the digitization project of the analog collection of the Misteri d’Elx. This project, with a total cost of 17,000 euros, aims to digitize photographs, festival programs, and periodical publications related to the Misteri and local festivals since the early 20th century. The grant will cover up to 90% of the cost.

Lastly, a collaboration agreement has been approved with the Spanish Association of Footwear Component Companies (AEC) worth 22,000 euros, to support the organization of the Futurmoda 2026 fair. The city council will contribute at least 10% of the total cost.