Lorraine Williamson
Each year, the El Colacho baby-jumping festival takes place in Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, attracting both crowds and controversy. The centuries-old tradition involves men dressed as devils leaping over babies to symbolically cleanse them of original sin.
Celebrated since 1620, El Colacho forms part of the Corpus Christi festivities. Organised by the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament of Minerva, it reflects the fusion of religious celebration with pre-Christian ritual and medieval theatre.
The ritual of the leap
The focal point of the event is a public procession during which infants born in the previous year are laid on mattresses in the street. A man dressed as El Colacho—a figure representing evil—runs and jumps over the babies while carrying a whip and a castanet-like instrument known as ‘tarrañuelos’.
According to tradition, the act symbolises the cleansing of original sin and protection from illness or misfortune. For locals, it is a proud part of their heritage, passed down through generations.
Only men take on the role of El Colacho. To date, no women have performed the ritual leap.
When and where does it happen?
El Colacho is held on the Sunday following Corpus Christi, which falls 60 days after Easter. In 2025, the event is scheduled for Sunday, 22 June. The ceremony continues to draw visitors from across Spain and abroad.
Controversy over child safety
Despite its deep cultural roots, El Colacho faces mounting criticism. Children’s rights groups and members of the Catholic Church have raised concerns about the risks of jumping over infants. While no serious incidents have been recorded, critics argue the practice could be dangerous and suggest symbolic alternatives.
The Vatican has distanced itself from the festival. Pope Benedict XVI previously called on local clergy not to endorse the ritual. The Church maintains that baptism, not folk custom, is the path to spiritual cleansing.
Fiestas, ferias, and celebrations in Spain 2025
Tradition under scrutiny
The El Colacho baby-jumping festival highlights the tension between preserving cultural heritage and addressing modern safety standards. For residents of Castrillo de Murcia, it remains a key expression of identity. But each year, the question returns: how much risk is acceptable in the name of tradition?
Sources: www.infobae.com, cervantesvirtual.com