Summer Festivals: La Virgen de la Asunción

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Whilst the majority of Spanish villages and towns have patron saint celebrations during the summer months, 15th August is without doubt one of the busiest days in the calendar, coinciding with a vast number of these, which are unfortunately too many to mention here. This particular day, which exceeds any other in the solemn celebration of saints' memories, commemorates the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, in body and soul, up to heaven.

Perhaps the most faithful reproduction, certainly the most beautiful, of what tradition has given us regarding this event, called Mary's dormición, is to be found in the texts of Misteri of Festa d'Elx which are performed in the cathedral of Santa María de Elche (Alicante) during the evening of the 14th (Vespra or first act of the drama) and the 15th (Festa or second act which reaches its climax with the emotional coronation by the Holy Trinity).

In La Alberca (Salamanca), the offertory is celebrated on the 15th in its beautiful Plaza Mayor, whilst on the 16th La Loa is performed (a type of popular Mystery play) in the small square by the church. La Pinochada is a play which represents the battles fought between the people of Vinuesa (Soria) and those of a neighbouring village over the possession of the Virgen del Pino.



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