Elx facts for kids
Elx (pronounced "Elsh" in Catalan) or Elche (pronounced "EL-cheh" in Spanish) is a cool city in eastern Spain. It's the third largest city in the Valencia region and the second largest in the Alicante province. About 215,000 people live there. Elche is super famous for its amazing palm tree groves and a special play called the Mystery of Elx.
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Welcome to Elche: A City of Palms and History
Elche is a city with a long and interesting past. It's known for its unique culture and beautiful natural spots. The city blends old traditions with modern life. It's a great place to learn about Spanish history and nature.
The Famous Palm Grove of Elche
Elche is home to the largest palm grove in Europe. It's called the Palmeral of Elche. This huge forest has hundreds of thousands of palm trees. It's so special that UNESCO has named it a World Heritage Site. The palm trees were first planted by people long ago. They brought water to the dry land.
The palm trees are not just for show. They also produce dates, a sweet fruit. People in Elche have used these trees for many things. They make crafts, build things, and even use the leaves for religious events. It's a living example of how people and nature can work together.
The Mystery of Elx: A Special Play
One of the most famous things about Elche is the Mystery of Elx. This is a very old and unique play. It's performed every year in August. The play tells a story from the Bible about the Virgin Mary. It's sung entirely in old Valencian.
This play is special because it's performed inside a church, the Basilica of Santa María. It's one of the last plays of its kind in Europe. People from all over the world come to see it. It's a big part of Elche's cultural identity. UNESCO also recognizes it as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.
Elche's Ancient Roots
Elche has been a home for people for thousands of years. Ancient groups like the Iberians and Romans lived here. They left behind many clues about their lives. Archaeologists have found amazing things, like the famous Lady of Elche.
The Lady of Elche is a beautiful stone sculpture. It shows a woman with a very detailed headdress. It's a mystery who she was or why she was made. This statue is a symbol of Elche's deep history. It shows how important art was even long ago.
Exploring Elche Today
Today, Elche is a busy city. It has modern areas and charming old parts. You can walk through the narrow streets of the old town. You can also visit museums to learn more about its past. The city also has a big shoe industry. Many famous shoe brands come from Elche.
The city is also proud of its parks and green spaces. Besides the palm grove, there are other beautiful gardens. These places offer a peaceful escape. They are perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature. Elche is a city that truly offers something for everyone.
Images for kids
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Miniature from the Cantiga #133, showing a miracle in Elche (13th century). It's one of the first pictures of a palm tree in Elche.
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A photograph of Elche from the 19th century by Jean Laurent.
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The Basilica of Santa María in Elche, where the Mystery of Elx is performed.
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The amazing Palmeral of Elche, a huge grove of palm trees.
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The old part of the city, known as Barrio del Raval.
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See also
In Spanish: Elche para niños
