Baby Jumping - El Colacho

Festival Location: Castrillo de Murcia, Spain

Festival Type(s): Bizarre Festivals, Traditional Festivals, Religious Events

by © Paul Dodson 2009

Ever harboured a secret desire to jump a baby? Then fear not, for you are not alone.

In the Spanish village of Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, men dressed as the Devil (Colacho) leap babies in the street in a time-hounered ritual that forms part of the local Corpus Christi celebrations.

Although it's origins are hazy, the ritual of El Colacho can be dated back 1620 and is said to cleanse the unkonwing infants (who have all been born in the previous 12 months) of original sin. A balmy, baby baptism if ever I've seen one.