The tradition known as El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or simply El
Colacho, dates back to circa 1621. It takes place every year after the feast of
Corpus Christi. The festival is held for four days after the feast of
Corpus Christi. El Colacho (devil) in yellow/red costume and wearing a mask roams
the street to the beating of drums. He also carries a castanet and a stick having a
hanging ponytail at one end and playfully chases young children.
The baby jumping is performed on the final day when agile men representing the devil (El Colacho) jump over
the babies, born during the
preceding year, who lie on mattresses in the street. It is believed that devil's
jump takes away the evil, cleansing the babies of original sin, ensure them safe
passage through life and guards against illness and evil spirits. Though the
Catholic Church frowns over this ritual yet it is continued to be performed
every year.
As per
Daily Mail "Over the centuries there have been no reports of injuries
among the babies, but the festival is still considered to be one of the riskiest
in the world."
Image from Wikimedia Commons is by Celestebombin
Image from Flickr is by Helder Rul
Image from Flickr is by Zach Campbell
Image from Wikimedia Commons is by Jtspotau
A fine YouTube from Lonely Planet;
View location in Google Earth / Google Maps. (Unfortunately in low resolution).
Source of info and more info: Daily Mail Online / Wikipedia
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