Ecatepec and Elche commemorate historic cultural anniversaries

In Ecatepec, Mexico, church bells rang for at least five minutes at noon on July 30 as part of a nationwide prayer and bell‑ringing event marking the centennial of the Cristero War (1926‑1929). The Diocese of Ecatepec organized the ceremony at the San Cristóbal parish following a call from Bishop José Guadalupe Torres Campos, who urged the ringing to convey a message of peace, unity and hope for Mexico.

In Elche, Spain, the city marked the 25th anniversary of the UNESCO designation of the Misteri d'Elx as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The celebration featured a program of events, a mass of thanksgiving blessed by Pope Leo XIV, and the honorary patronage of Queen Sofía. The Patronato del Misteri d'Elx and local authorities highlighted the enduring significance of the tradition for the community.