The crazy 400-year-old festival where 'devils' jump over babies to drive away evil
Spain’s baby jumping festival has taken place in the small village of Castrillo de Murcia in the country’s north.
Every June, men dressed as devils leap over newborn babies to drive away evil, part of the El Salto del Colacho festival, or El Colacho.
Footage filmed on Sunday shows men in traditional costumes hurdling over numerous babies lying on mattresses while crowds watch on.
With whips and castanets in hand to drive off spirits, the ‘devils’ dressed in vibrant yellow jump over more than 100 babies before making their way into the town square in pursuit of older children.
Residents also hang white sheets from nearby homes in an attempt to drive away evil spirits.
The tradition has been ongoing since 1620. It is said that the Pope has distanced himself from this rather dangerous-looking religious festival.
- with Newsflare
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, download the Yahoo News app from iTunes or Google Play and stay up to date with the latest news with Yahoo’s daily newsletter. Sign up here.
