Brooms on fire! Spain celebrates 'Los Escobazos' festival

by DAILY SABAH WITH AA Dec 08, 2021 11:44 am +03 +03:00

The tradition of "Los escobazos" in Spain celebrates the Immaculate Conception of Jesus each year.

People take part in the Los Escobazos (Large Brooms) Festival in Jarandilla de la Vera, Extremadura, Spain, Dec. 7, 2021.

(AA Photo)

This celebration is declared a "Festival of Tourist Interest in Extramdura."

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Each year on Dec. 7 the people come together to light their brooms and playfully hit each other with them.

(AA Photo)

The celebration starts with the priest of the town, together with the prefect and families, shouting "Viva!" while playing the drum.

(AA Photo)

People pour onto the streets and as soon as the sun sets the brooms are lit.

(AA Photo)

The prefect joins the celebration later on with the Immaculate Conception's standard.

(AA Photo)

On top of a horse, he parades it through the streets declaring "Long live the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception!"

(AA Photo)

People respond as loud as they can with cries of "Viva."

(AA Photo)

Once the procession ends the icon is lit on fire as well.

(AA Photo)

With pots and pans in their hands, people sing traditional songs.

(AA Photo)

When the standard is brought back to the prefect, the celebration comes to an end.

(AA Photo)

If you're wondering how everyone stays safe while hitting each other:

how there are not anyone hurt with the hitting of each other:

(AA Photo)

It is strictly forbidden to hit anyone about the waist.

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The origin of the brooms on fire is not quite known.

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The locals of the quaint town say that it probably comes from shepherds that would light their way down the nearby mountain.

(AA Photo)

On their way back home, they would have fun putting them out.

(AA Photo)

Daily Sabah