Cleansing leaps of the devil through babies
Categories:
Europe |
Holidays and Festivals |
El Colacho is considered one of the strangest and most dangerous festivals in Europe. The action takes place annually since 1620 in the Spanish city of Castrillo de Murcia. Traditionally, several locals dress up in yellow and red costumes and masks depicting the devil. To the beat of drums, they jump over babies lying on mattresses right on the pavement of the main square. Thus, children are cleansed from original sin, protected from the evil eye, ailments and evil spirits. At the end of the ritual, the festival participants organize street festivities with songs and dances.
(Total 15 photos)
Photo: Denis Doyle/Getty Images
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