Event Details
El Colacho 2027 – The Baby-Jumping Festival in Castrillo de Murcia
Every year on the Sunday after Corpus Christi, the tiny village of Castrillo de Murcia in the province of Burgos becomes the setting for one of Europe's most extraordinary and visually stunning folk festivals. El Colacho, also known as El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump), takes place in 2027 on Sunday, 6 June. The festival traditionally runs from Wednesday to Monday, with Sunday as the main event.
The festivities begin on Wednesday, 2 June 2027, with evensong and the first ceremonial runs of El Colacho through the village streets.
What is El Colacho?
El Colacho is a living tradition celebrated without interruption since 1621. A man dressed as the devil, known as El Colacho, wears a striking costume in yellow and red, a grotesque mask and carries an oversized castanet (Terrañuela) used to whip onlookers. The villagers respond with taunts and insults while the Atabalero (drummer) marks the rhythm of the ceremony.
The emotional centrepiece of the festival is the Salto del Colacho: babies born during the previous year are laid on mattresses spread across the cobbled street. El Colacho takes a run-up and leaps over them. This jump symbolises the triumph of good over evil and is believed to cleanse the infants of original sin. The solemn Corpus Christi procession follows immediately after, with Cofrades (brotherhood members) and girls who received First Communion that year scattering flower petals over the babies.
Highlights
- Salto del Colacho: The legendary jump over the babies on Sunday afternoon (approx. 19:00)
- Ceremonial runs of El Colacho through the village from Wednesday to Sunday
- Solemn Corpus Christi procession with monstrance and floral altars
- Castilian folk dance group performing at the Eras de San Juan
- Speech by the Atabalero followed by free distribution of wine, cheese and bread
- A tradition spanning over 400 years, declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in Castile and León
Program
The Fiestas del Colacho span several days:
- Wednesday, 2 June: Opening with evensong; first corridas (ceremonial runs) of El Colacho
- Thursday to Saturday: Daily corridas at canonical hours; El Colacho roams the village lanes
- Sunday, 6 June: Solemn High Mass; Corpus Christi procession through the village; Salto del Colacho (jump over babies) at approx. 19:00; followed by folk dances, ceremonial speech and wine distribution at the village Eras
- Monday, 7 June: Closing celebrations
Tickets & Entry
The Fiestas del Colacho are a free public festival open to all visitors. Early planning for travel, accommodation and meals is highly recommended, as this tiny village attracts thousands of visitors from around the world on festival day.
Visitor Tips
- Castrillo de Murcia is located around 30 km west of Burgos; a car is the most practical way to reach it as there is no regular bus service to the village.
- Parking nearby is limited; arrive early.
- On Sunday afternoon (procession starts approximately 18:00–19:00), the streets fill up quickly; find a good vantage point well in advance.
- Book accommodation in Burgos or Sasamón; there are no hotels in the village itself.
- June on the Castilian plateau can be very hot; bring sun protection and plenty of water.
- Photography is permitted; please show respect for the families and children taking part.
