The scheduled visit of Pope Leo XIV to Spain has forced a change to the dates of this year’s Corpus Christi procession in Elche. The organising body, the Mayordomía de Santa María, has chosen to move the celebration to Sunday 14th June.
In addition to the date change, an extra altar will be included along the procession route, and several new features have been introduced to this year’s programme. Gema Leal, who has close ties to the Misteri d’Elx, will serve as the town crier. Her opening speech is set to take place this Saturday at the Church of El Salvador, coinciding with the 750th anniversary of the parish.
The decision to change the date aims to make it easier for faithful residents who wish to travel to Madrid to participate in the historic journey of the Supreme Pontiff.
The promotional poster announcing the Corpus Christi event has been designed by José Vicente Bonete, who holds a degree in Fine Arts.
As a further novelty, a charitable flower offering will be launched across all parishes. This initiative will allow citizens to make a financial donation to help fund the creation of the floral carpet outside the doors of the Basilica of Santa María, as well as the decoration of the Corpus Christi float.
