Yes, you will be forgiven for being curious about the title of this festival because even though Spain boasts some of the most unusual and bizarre festivals compared to other countries in the world. Throwing tomatoes over each other as they do in Valencia or the death experience in Galicia does not come close to the excitement aroused by the Baby Jumping Festival held each year in Castillo de Murcia near Burgos.
Baby jumping or El Colacho is a traditional Spanish holiday dating back to 1620 that takes place annually to celebrate the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi. During the act, known as Al Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or simply El Colacho. Men dressed as the Devil (known as Colacho) jump over babies who's born during the previous twelve months of the year. The babies will be lied on mattresses in the street.
This festival has been rated as one of the most dangerous in the world. The origins of the tradition are unknown but it is said to cleanse the babies of original sin, to ensure them safe passage through life and guard against illness and evil spirits.
Anyone who is not blessed with receiving this protection during their early childhood and has lived life looking over their shoulder waiting for bad things to happen or illness to strike can, in their adulthood, choose to take part in an exercise of jumping through fire on 21st December in Granada, known as Hogueras. This is intended to protect them from illness.
Here's a video of Baby Jumping Festival. Enjoy :)
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