Every year in early February, local residents in the small Spanish village of Almonacid del Marquesado celebrate the feast day of the Virgen of Candelaria, with “devils” and dancers taking to the streets in a vibrant display of faith and tradition.
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.
“(The cowbells weigh) about 13, 14 kilos (28-31 pounds), but for us it is not tiring because we live it, we carry it inside us,” said Carmelo Sánchez, one of the “devil” participants.
The village has celebrated the “Endiablada” (Brotherhood of the Devils) festival each Feb. 2-3 since at least medieval times.
Only men born in the village or descendants of villagers are allowed to be “devils” and participate in La Endiablada.
