Tree of friendship: Elche dedicates palm to Caravaca de la Cruz

Gesture emphasises cities’ religious and cultural connections during Jubilee Year

The mayors of Caravaca (L) and Elche (R)

The city of Elche has paid homage to Caravaca de la Cruz by dedicating one of its emblematic palm trees in the Municipal Park to the city in the neighbouring Region of Murcia.

The mayor of Caravaca, José Francisco García was visiting the city in Alicante province at the invitation of his counterpart there, Pablo Ruz, on the occasion of Elche's Jubilee Year to mark 75 years since the proclamation of the dogma of the Assumption (the formal declaration by Pope Pius XII in 1950, that the Virgin Mary was assumed body and soul into heaven at the end of her life).

Both mayors expressed their desire to strengthen ties based on their history, traditions, shared values and economic development.

Ruz emphasised their “spiritual connection”, since Caravaca is a Permanent Jubilee City and a destination for pilgrims.

At a reception in City Hall, García gave thanks for the dedication and noted the significance of palm trees for Elche, saying the recognition “twins us even more”.

Both cities also have cultural expressions declared by UNESCO as Intangible Heritage of Humanity: the Mystery Play of Elche in 2001 and the Wine Horses of Caravaca in 2020.

They also both have important local shoemaking industries.

The mayors also visited the Basílica de Santa María, where they made an offering of flowers in the chapel of the Virgen de la Asunción, the patron of Elche.

The dedication of the palm tree was also attended by municipal representatives and residents to show their appreciation for the city in Murcia.

The mayor of Caravaca praised the “generosity and affection of Elche” and expressed his wish to “keep building bridges between our cities, so that the value of faith, culture and work can be recognised”.

For more local events, news and visiting information contact the local tourist office (see below) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.

Images: Ayuntamiento de Elche