Event Details
El Colacho 2027: Spain's Extraordinary Baby Jumping Festival
In the tiny village of Castrillo de Murcia, in the Burgos province of Castile and León, one of Europe's most extraordinary festivals takes place every year: El Colacho, the Baby Jumping Festival. In 2027, the main event falls on Sunday, 30 May 2027, the Sunday after Corpus Christi (27 May 2027). Held without interruption since 1621 and organised by the Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament, the festival has been recognised as a Festival of Tourist Interest in Castile and León.
What is El Colacho?
El Salto del Colacho, the devil's leap, is a Catholic ritual with deep pre-Christian roots. The central figure, El Colacho, wears a striking yellow and red costume with a grotesque mask and a horsehair tail, representing the devil. He charges through the streets, taunting villagers and playfully whipping bystanders. The climax of the festival is the moment when El Colacho leaps over babies laid on mattresses in the village street. These infants, born during the previous year, are symbolically cleansed of original sin through the jump and protected from disease and misfortune. After the leap, the babies are blessed by the priest and sprinkled with rose petals.
Highlights
- El Salto: The famous devil's leap over the babies on 30 May 2027
- Solemn Corpus Christi procession through the decorated village
- Flower altars and carpets along the procession route
- Traditional Castilian dances and drumming
- Tasting of local wine, cheese and bread
- Preliminary appearances of El Colacho in the days before the main event
- Solemn Sunday morning mass
Program 2027
The festival week begins traditionally on Wednesday, 26 May 2027, with the first rounds of El Colacho and the Atabalero (drummer) through the village streets. On Thursday, 27 May (Corpus Christi), the grand procession takes place accompanied by regidores, alabarderos and dancers. Saturday evening (29 May) is celebrated with folk festivities and music. The main highlight is Sunday, 30 May 2027: celebrations begin with a solemn morning mass, followed by the procession and the famous leap of El Colacho over the babies lying on mattresses in the street. Further festivities continue into the evening.
History and Significance
The festival dates back to 1621 and is organised by one of the oldest brotherhoods in Burgos province. Historians see in El Colacho a blend of Catholic and pre-Christian ritual: the Colacho's costume recalls the "botargas", liminal figures between the world of the living and the spirit world, long known in the villages of Castile. The jump symbolises the triumph of good over evil, with the devil fleeing in terror before the innocence of the infants. While Pope Benedict XVI once asked Spanish priests to distance themselves from the practice on theological grounds, the tradition has survived to this day and attracts visitors from around the world each year.
Visitor Tips
- Castrillo de Murcia is located approximately 40 km southwest of Burgos on the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route. The best way to reach it is by car or rental vehicle; there is no direct public transport from Burgos.
- The village is very small; book accommodation in Burgos or Sasamón well in advance, as there are very few options locally.
- On the main day (30 May), the village fills with thousands of visitors. Arrive early (by 9:00 AM at the latest) to secure a good viewing spot.
- Entry is free of charge; food and local drinks are available from stalls in the village.
- Respectful behaviour towards the families and babies is strongly expected.
- Late May in Burgos can still be cool; bring a light jacket.
