The general rehearsal of El Misteri d'Elx on Monday, August 11th, concluded with three incidents of heatstroke, exacerbated by high temperatures and the fact that the Santa María basilica, where the night performances take place, remains closed during these rehearsals, increasing the ambient thermal load.
The incidents included three fainting spells: a singer from the Jewish quarter, a child representing one of the Three Maries, and another child playing an angel during the descent of Araceli, prior to the coronation. These situations, while not new due to the summer and the actors' costumes, have been intensified by current temperatures.
The Councilor for Culture, Irene Ruiz, has announced that the Misteri Patronato will adopt measures starting this Wednesday. Among them, the basilica doors will be opened during general rehearsals, which are usually held behind closed doors, and fans will be installed at strategic points for the Capella and the Escolania. The use of lighter clothing is also being considered for the future, and a project to improve lighting with low-consumption lights and stage design is being studied.
Ruiz recalled that participant safety will remain a priority, highlighting that the child who fainted while portraying an angel recovered quickly. All actors and singers participating in the aerial devices wear safety harnesses.
Furthermore, the food stalls (barracas) in the town center will be asked to maintain controlled decibel levels, a measure already in place, but which will be stricter now with the basilica doors open.
These episodes of fainting are not isolated incidents during the festivities of Elche, as similar incidents have been recorded in other events such as the Arroz con Costra competition and the mascletàs (fireworks displays).
