Baby-jumping: The world’s most dangerous festival

Spain is renowned for its slightly bonkers and death-defying festivals. Think tomatoes to the head or a bull to your behind . However, this less well-known festival certainly takes the title of Spain’s (actually – the world’s) most dangerous festival.

El Colacho, aka Baby jumping. Nope, not a metaphor or figure of speech, it does what it says on the tin. Every year in Castillo de Murcia (near Burgos) men dressed as the devil jump over babies lay on mattresses in the street. That’s grown men, babies born in the last 12 months and a jumping competition. Some things can only happen in Spain.

It usually takes place the Sunday after Corpus Christi, which in 2014 is on Thursday 19 June. Although it’s not officially sanctioned by the church (you can’t blame them, really) like most things in Spain, its roots are in religion.

The festival began back in 1620, in the town Castrillo de Murcia, northern Spain. The idea is that jumping over the babies blesses them, removes original sin and thus prepares them for a life with God. Apparently, as the devil lures the evil spirits away, it also protects the babies from illness. I think I’d feel safer having a jab myself.

The baby jumping festival is likely the town’s annual highlight; the sleepy village only has a population of 500. It comes to life during the week of the festival; Spaniards and tourist alike. Throughout the week you can enjoy music, feasting and frivolities.

Once thing is for sure; the Spanish know how to party, and how to throw a wacky festival. Fancy taking part?