Jumping Over Babies

I always thought that the Annual Fiesta in our little village was crazy, but there is another I’ve just heard about that really takes the biscuit!

I always thought that the Annual Fiesta in our little village was crazy, but there is another I’ve just heard about that really takes the biscuit!

It takes place in Castrillo de Murcia, about 36 km west of Burgos, and apparently dates back to 1620. To celebrate Corpus Christi, men dress up as the devil and jump over babies born during the previous 12 months. The babies are laid out in rows on mattresses in the street.

Then, wait for it, the devil, known as El Colacho, leaps over the babies. This is supposed to cleanse the babies of sin, guard against evil and illness, and thus ensure them a safe passage through life.

As an added extra, the organisers of the festival, the shadowy brotherhood of Santísimo Sacramento de Minerva give chase and terrorise townsfolk and spectators throughout the day.

Only in Spain…

The festival takes place on the 6th June but perhaps I’d recommend that visitors leave their babies at home with a sitter?