A Spanish village has seen masked “devils” take to the streets as part of a traditional feast day.
Every year in early February, local residents in Almonacid del Marquesado celebrate the feast day of the Virgin of Candelaria, or Candlemas, with “devils” and dancers taking part in a vibrant display of faith and tradition.
The colourful event draws many tourists (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
The village in Castilla-La Mancha, central Spain, has celebrated the “Endiablada” (Brotherhood of the Devils) festival on February 2-3 since medieval times, and possibly even earlier.
During the festival, men from the town dress up as devil-type characters with colourful jumpsuits and red mitre hats.
Only men born in the village or their descendants are part of the brotherhood (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Donning large, heavy copper cowbells around their waists, which clang incessantly, the men walk, dance and jump through the town’s winding streets and visit the cemetery.
Only men born in the village or descendants of villagers are allowed to be “devils” and participate in La Endiablada.
The event has been celebrated since medieval times (AP)
One explanation over the origins of the festival according to La Endiablada website is that the “devils” are trying to divert the public’s attention, so that the Virgin Mary can be protected from embarrassment or shame over the unusual circumstances of Christ’s birth – an event celebrated as the Feast of the Virgin of Candelaria, or Candlemas, marking when Jesus was presented to the Temple in Jerusalem.
The other explanation, the website said, is related to a legendary contest between two villages over an image of San Blas, supposedly settled thanks a team of stubborn oxen, which was taken as a miracle. The cowbells are rung to symbolise this joyous event, which meant that the sacred image stayed in Almonacid del Marquesado.
The festival coincides with Candlemas, or the feast of the Virgin of Candelaria (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
“(The cowbells weigh) about 13, 14 kilos (28-31lbs), but for us it is not tiring because we live it, we carry it inside us,” said Carmelo Sanchez, one of the “devil” participants.
Young boys take part with small cow bells hanging from their backs, ensuring the tradition will continue into the next generation.
The event celebrates faith and local tradition (AP)
“It was very, very peculiar with so many cowbells,” said Hiroko Notomi, a tourist who was among the spectators watching La Endiablada.
“It’s a very interesting festival and besides it is not like a big city festival, I liked that a lot.”