The Nit de l’Albà in Elche, a unique pyrotechnic event honoring the Virgen de la Asunción, concluded its 2026 edition with the firing of 9.6 tons of gunpowder. This figure represents 260 kilograms more than the previous year and exceeds the city council's initial estimate. The spectacle, which drew thousands of people, culminated at midnight with the launch of the iconic Palmera de la Virgen 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 make this spectacle, organized by Pirotecnia Ferrández, possible. Ruz acknowledged that the lack of wind caused smoke to concentrate over the urban area, hindering visibility at times, but stressed that the result was “extraordinary,” particularly the Palmera.
Regarding the health report, twelve assistance cases were registered from the official start of the event until midnight, in addition to three prior attendances. The main incident involved the transfer of a middle-aged woman to the General Hospital of Elche with second-degree burns, presumably from gunpowder handling, as explained by the local Police Commissioner, César Zaragoza. Zaragoza noted the “very limited” number of injured and the absence of “major incidents”.
Most attendances were minor and related to the use of small pyrotechnic devices, mainly by minors, as well as some rocket falls without serious consequences. The commissioner praised the “extraordinary civic behavior” of the citizens.
Following the Nit de l’Albà, La Carretillà took place at the Hort del Monjo, where over a hundred people participated in launching pyrotechnic devices within a designated area.
