What is El Colacho?
El Colacho is a traditional Spanish festival that takes place in Castrillo de Murcia, northern Spain, every year. Masked men representing the devil jump over babies born within the year, which is said to absorb the sins of the babies and will protect them from disease and misfortune.
The "devils", clad in red and yellow masks, also hurl insults at the villagers and try to whip them with a horsetail attached to a stick. When the drums begin to play and the "atabalero," or pious men, arrive, that is when the "devils" begin to run jump over the babies.
Festival-goers can also berate the "devils" to ward off their own bad luck. Afterward, the babies are sprinkled with rose petals and reclaimed by their parents.
Need to Know
The festival dates back to the 1620s and takes place on the Sunday after the feast of Corpus Christi, which is celebrated 60 days after Easter.
In the past, El Colacho only included babies from the local village, but recently people from around the world have traveled to northern Spain to participate.
Did you Know?
There have been no reported injuries at El Colacho, but the festival remains a subject of debate within the Catholic Church.
Never Miss Our
Latest News & Event Updates
We look forward to making your travel more eventful.
