The Nit de l’Albà in Elche concluded with the launch of 9.6 tons of gunpowder, exceeding last year's figure by 260 kilograms. Thousands of people participated in this traditional festival, which culminated at midnight with the iconic Palmera de la Virgen spectacle from the bell tower of the Santa María basilica.
The mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz, described the celebration as 'apotheotic' and 'colossal,' highlighting the year-long effort to organize one of the city's main pyrotechnic displays, with Pirotecnia Ferrández responsible for the official firing. Ruz acknowledged that the lack of wind hindered visibility due to smoke concentrated over the urban area but maintained that the result was 'extraordinary,' particularly the Palmera.
According to the initial municipal report, the total amount of gunpowder fired includes both the organized spectacle and that launched by individuals. The city council's preliminary estimate was around nine tons, making the increase an 'extraordinary' figure reflecting the tradition's deep roots in Elche.
Regarding the health report, three assistance cases were recorded by 11:15 PM, with twelve more between the official start of the Nit and midnight. The most significant incident involved a middle-aged woman who suffered second-degree burns and was transferred to the General Hospital of Elche.
The local Police Commissioner, César Zaragoza, indicated that the woman's injury might have resulted from 'handling gunpowder,' although confirmation is pending. He emphasized that the number of injured was 'very limited' and that there were no 'major incidents,' with most assistance cases being minor and related to small pyrotechnic devices, many affecting minors.
Zaragoza highlighted the 'extraordinary civic behavior' of the citizens and stated that the festivities were proceeding with 'total normality.' He also reported several arrests and seizures of alcohol and drugs in smaller quantities than in previous years. Local Police maintained driving controls throughout the early morning.
Following the Nit de l’Albà, the celebration moved to the Hort del Monjo for La Carretillà, with over a hundred participants. This year, security was enhanced by raising the perimeter fencing from six to nine meters to prevent carretillas from reaching the outdoor audience, thus extending a night marked by gunpowder, fire, and devotion to the Virgen de la Asunción.
