The Mayor of Elche to Deliver the First Ever Proclamation for the San Pascual Festivities

The Elche Festivities Department announced on Tuesday the activities organised for the celebration of the San Pascual Bailón Festivities, which will take place in the El Pla de San José neighbourhood from May 8 to 18. The councillor of the area, Inma Mora, expressed her desire to "invite all the people of Elche to come and enjoy the activities prepared by the San Pascual Bailón Festivities Congregation for all audiences, through which we can learn a bit more about the saint."

This year, as a novelty, the festivities will begin with a proclamation on Thursday, May 8, at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish of San José, delivered by the Mayor of Elche, Pablo Ruz. "He will be the first proclaimer in history to inaugurate the San Pascual Bailón Festivities," highlighted María Dolores Mora, president of the San Pascual Bailón Congregation.

The programme of activities includes the Holy Mass and the Novena from May 9 to 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the same parish. On Monday, May 12, after the Eucharist, there will be a lecture on the 'Life of San Pascual Bailón' by Manuel Rodríguez, a renowned historian from Elche. On Friday, May 16, from 9:00 p.m., the traditional Sopar del Cabasset will be held at the Christ of Zalamea square, with live music until 2:00 a.m.

On Saturday, May 17, the Day of San Pascual Bailón, the day will begin with the awakening of rockets and bell ringing in honour of the saint at 8:30 a.m. In the afternoon, children's games will be organised at the church door, and after the mass and novena, a concert will be held by the Grup d'Havaneres San Agatángelo choir from Elche.

The programme will continue on Sunday, May 18, with the awakening and parade at 9:00 a.m. Later, around 11:30 a.m., the Flower Offering to the saint will take place from Paseo de Germanías to the Parish of San José, where after the offering, there will be a Holy Mass. In the afternoon, at 7:30 p.m., the Eucharist will take place, followed by the solemn procession in honour of the saint at 8:00 p.m. To conclude the festivities, a fireworks display will be launched, and the lamb raffle will take place.

Finally, the following Monday, a Holy Mass will be held in memory of the deceased members of the Congregation and neighbourhood residents at 7:30 p.m. in the Parish of San José.