El Colacho 2026 – Castrillo de Murcia, Spain
Overview
El Colacho is a centuries-old tradition held in the small village of Castrillo de Murcia, near Burgos, that blends religious devotion with theatrical folklore. Established in 1620, the festival is officially known as El Salto del Colacho, or the devil’s jump, and takes place annually to celebrate the feast of Corpus Christi. The event is deeply rooted in local identity, drawing thousands of spectators who come to witness a ceremony that is as visually striking as it is culturally significant.
The festival features a week of activities culminating on Sunday, when the town streets are transformed into a stage for a symbolic battle between good and evil. Characters known as Colachos, representing the devil and dressed in vibrant yellow and red costumes, run through the village brandishing whips and traditional castanets. They tease the crowds and create a chaotic atmosphere before the solemn procession of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament begins, signifying the triumph of faith over darkness.
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The most famous and dramatic moment occurs in the afternoon when infants born during the previous year are laid on mattresses along the procession route. The Colachos take a running start and leap over the rows of babies, an act believed to cleanse the children of original sin and protect them from illness and evil spirits. Following the jumps, the village priest blesses the infants and rose petals are scattered over them by young girls, completing a ritual that has been performed safely for over four hundred years.
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Event Highlights
- The Devil’s Jump: Witness the iconic and breathtaking moment where men dressed as the Colacho leap over rows of infants to symbolize the removal of evil.
- Traditional Processions: Observe the solemn march of the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament accompanied by the rhythmic beat of the atabalero drummer.
- Street Performance: Experience the theatrical antics of the devils as they roam the village in bright costumes, interacting with the crowd and brandishing horse-tail whips.
- Village Blessing: Participate in the emotional conclusion of the ritual where local clergy bless the children under a shower of rose petals.
Why Attend
Attending El Colacho offers a rare opportunity to see one of the most unique and controversial cultural festivals in Europe. It is ideal for photography enthusiasts, history buffs, and travelers looking to experience authentic Spanish folklore away from the typical tourist trails. The event provides a profound look at how ancient pagan roots and Catholic traditions have merged to create a community bond that has survived for centuries.
Visitors benefit from the intimate and welcoming atmosphere of Castrillo de Murcia, where the entire village participates in the festivities. Beyond the spectacle of the jumping, the event is a celebration of life and family, often followed by communal gatherings with local food and wine. It is a bucket-list experience for anyone interested in witnessing a living piece of history that continues to thrive despite modern influences.
Date & Duration
- Event Date: Sunday, June 7, 2026
- Event Duration: Approximately 6 hours for the main Sunday ceremonies
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: No tickets required as the event takes place in public streets.
- Admission Type: Free Admission
- Ticket Pricing: $0 to $0
- Special Seating Options: None available; standing room only along the barricaded street routes.
- VIP Options: No VIP packages or reserved viewing areas are offered.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Castrillo de Murcia, Spain
Worried about accommodation? Hotels near this event sell out quickly, and prices tend to rise fast. Check out these accommodation options:
Contact Information
- Email: ayto@sasamon.org
- Phone Number: +34 947 370 012
- Official Website: https://www.sasamon.burgos.es
Getting There
- Nearest Airport: Burgos Airport which is approximately 32 miles from the village.
- Nearest Train/Metro Station: Burgos Rosa de Lima Railway Station.
- Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Regional buses run from the Burgos bus station to the Sasamon area.
- Parking Availability: Limited street parking is available on the outskirts of the village.
- Directions by Car: Accessible via the A-231 highway taking the exit toward Sasamon and following local roads to Castrillo de Murcia.
What is this event?
El Colacho is a traditional Spanish festival where men dressed as devils jump over babies to cleanse them of sin. It serves as a symbolic ritual of protection and is the highlight of the Corpus Christi celebrations in the region.
The event is organized by a local religious brotherhood and has been held continuously since the early seventeenth century. It represents a unique blend of religious ceremony and folk theater that defines the heritage of the village.
Why is it popular?
The festival gained international fame due to the visually shocking nature of the baby-jumping ritual which attracts media and tourists from around the world. It is celebrated for its longevity and the fact that it remains a grassroots community tradition.
It is also popular because it offers a glimpse into a side of Spanish culture that is distinct from mainstream festivals. The combination of danger, devotion, and ancient costumes makes it a captivating subject for cultural researchers and travelers.
Attendee Experiences
- Watching the yellow-clad devils fly over the tiny babies was one of the most intense and unforgettable things I have ever seen.
- The atmosphere in the village is electric and the local people are incredibly welcoming to outsiders during the feast.
- It is a very long day in the sun but seeing the rose petals fall over the children at the end is truly beautiful.
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FAQ's
Is the baby jumping ritual actually safe for the infants?
The jumpers are experienced members of the local brotherhood who train specifically for this event to ensure precision and safety. While the sight is startling to visitors, the organizers emphasize that there has never been a recorded injury to a child in the festival's long history.
Can anyone put their baby on the mattresses for the jump?
Traditionally the ritual was reserved for infants born in the village of Castrillo de Murcia during the preceding year. In recent times some parents from nearby towns in the Burgos province have also participated, but it remains a local religious rite rather than a public activity for tourists.
What is the best time to arrive in the village on Sunday?
It is highly recommended to arrive in the morning to secure a good viewing spot along the barricades before the crowds become too dense. The main processions and the jumping typically begin in the late afternoon, but the village fills up early with visitors and festive activities.
Are there places to eat and stay within Castrillo de Murcia?
The village is very small and has limited commercial facilities, so many visitors choose to stay in the nearby city of Burgos or the town of Sasamon. During the festival, local vendors often sell traditional snacks and drinks, but options for a full sit-down meal are sparse within the village itself.
What should I wear when attending the festival?
The weather in northern Spain in June can be quite warm, so light and breathable clothing is recommended along with comfortable walking shoes. Since this is a religious event that includes a solemn procession, many locals dress neatly, though casual attire is perfectly acceptable for international spectators.
