“Baby jumping (El Colacho) is a traditional Spanish practice dating back to 1620 that takes place annually to celebrate the Catholic feast of Corpus Christi in the village of Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos. During the act – known as El Salto del Colacho (the devil's jump) or simply El Colacho – men dressed as the Devil (known as the Colacho) jump over babies born during the previous twelve months of the year who lie on mattresses in the street.

The Brotherhood of Santísimo Sacramento de Minerva, who organise the festivities chase people around the town throughout the day.

The festival has been rated as one of the most dangerous in the world. The origins of the tradition are unknown but it is said to cleanse the babies of original sin, ensure them safe passage through life and guard against illness and evil spirits. Pope Benedict has asked priests in Spain to distance themselves from the El Colacho, or La Octava Festival”. – Wikipedia

Girls throw rose petals on babies during the festival of El Colacho on June 26, 2011 in Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A priest blesses babies during the festival of El Colacho on June 26, 2011 in Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

A man representing the devil leaps over babies during the festival of El Colacho on June 26, 2011 in Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, Spain. The festival, held on the first Sunday after Corpus Cristi, represents the devil taking away original sin from the newly born babies by leaping over them. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

El Colacho, a representation of the devil, chases children through the streets during the festival of El Colacho on June 26, 2011 in Castrillo de Murcia near Burgos, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)