Baby jumping facts for kids
Baby jumping (Spanish: El Colacho) is a very old and unique festival from Spain. It started way back in 1620! Every year, it takes place during the Catholic celebration of Corpus Christi. This special event happens in a small village called Castrillo de Murcia, which is part of Sasamón in the province of Burgos.
What is El Colacho?
The main part of the festival is called El Salto del Colacho, which means "the devil jump," or simply El Colacho. During this event, men dress up as characters known as the Colacho. They wear bright red and yellow suits, making them look like devils. These "devils" carry whips and large castanets, which are musical instruments that click together.
The Jump
The Colacho characters jump over babies who were born in the past year. The babies are placed safely on mattresses right in the street. Before the jump starts, the "devils" tease the people watching. Then, special drummers called "atabalero" arrive. Their drumming signals the beginning of the jump. This part of the festival is meant to show the "devils" being chased away.
People believe that when the Colacho jumps over the babies, they take away any bad things or "sins" the babies might have from birth. It's thought to protect the babies from getting sick and from evil spirits as they grow up.
Organizing the Festival
The Brotherhood of the Blessed Sacrament of Minerva helps organize the week-long celebrations. The most exciting part happens on Sunday when the Colacho jumps over the babies. This jump takes place along the route where a procession walks through the town.
The exact beginning of this tradition isn't fully known. However, it is believed to clean the babies of what is called "original sin." This is meant to help them have a safe life and keep them safe from illness and bad spirits. The Catholic Church teaches that babies are cleansed of original sin through baptism. Because of this, some church leaders, like Pope Benedict XVI, have asked priests in Spain to keep a distance from the El Colacho festival, as it is not an official church teaching for cleansing sins.
El Colacho in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, there is also a character called El Colacho, but it's completely different! This Colacho is a short name for Nicolacho or Saint Nicholas. It's Costa Rica's version of Santa Claus and is part of their Christmas traditions.
See also
In Spanish: El Colacho para niños
- Capirote
- Running of the Bulls
- La Tomatina
