In the quiet Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia, an extraordinary spectacle unfolds each year during the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi. Men dressed as devils, known as El Colacho, sprint and leap over rows of babies lying peacefully on mattresses in the street. This centuries-old tradition combines religious devotion with a dash of supernatural flair that continues to captivate visitors worldwide.
El Colacho performers leaping over infants in the annual festival. Credit: National Geographic
The colorful devils, dressed in red and yellow jumpsuits, wear grotesque masks as they dash through the village streets brandishing horsewhips and terrorizing onlookers. Yet their most remarkable feat occurs when they approach the rows of infants, carefully placed on plush mattresses. With remarkable agility, these devils take powerful strides and soar over the babies, bringing gasps and cheers from the watching crowd.
This unusual ritual dates back to 1620, blending Catholic teachings with ancient folk beliefs that are deeply rooted in Spanish culture. The jumping devils are believed to absorb the original sin and misfortune from the babies, carrying away evil spirits through their acrobatic performance. Local parents eagerly participate, believing this ritual provides spiritual cleansing and protection for their little ones.
El Colacho performers in their traditional costumes during the festival. Credit: UPI
Behind the spectacle lies a carefully orchestrated ceremony where the community plays vital roles. Before the main event, parents lovingly prepare their infants, dressing them in their finest clothes. The mattresses are meticulously arranged along the street, decorated with fresh flowers and blessed by local priests. Meanwhile, the chosen El Colacho performers undergo their own preparations, donning their distinctive costumes.
The tradition has survived centuries despite raising modern safety concerns, speaking to its deep cultural significance. While outsiders might view it with astonishment, for the villagers of Castrillo de Murcia, El Colacho represents an unbroken chain of faith and community spirit. The festival showcases how ancient customs can persist in contemporary times, maintaining their essence while adapting to modern sensibilities.
Today, El Colacho stands as one of Spain’s most distinctive cultural celebrations, drawing curious visitors from across the globe. The festival demonstrates how supernatural beliefs and Catholic traditions can intertwine, creating a unique expression of faith and community. Through this remarkable baby-jumping ritual, the village preserves a piece of living history that continues to intrigue and amaze people worldwide.
References:
National Geographic – El Colacho Baby Jumping Festival – link
UPI – Devils jump over babies in Spanish village’s unusual festival – link
Slate – El Colacho, the baby jumping festival in Spain – link
Categories: Cultural Festivals, Do you know, European Folklore, Religious Traditions, Supernatural Beliefs
Tags: baby jumping, Castrillo de Murcia, Corpus Christi, Cultural Traditions, El Colacho, folklore, religious rituals, Spanish Festivals
Religion: Catholicism
Country of Origin: Spain
Topic: Cultural Festivals
Ethnicity: Spanish
