In Navaluenga, a small settlement in the province of Ávila, something happens once a year that can change the way you view Spanish traditions. Here, the carnival is more than just a celebration; it is a true trial for local youths and a spectacle that is impossible to forget. On this day, the streets fill with noise, laughter, and a sense of nervous anticipation: every participant becomes part of an ancient ritual that not only unites generations but also shapes the unique identity of the whole community.
The main intrigue of the festival is the appearance of the harramachos. These characters, dressed in costumes made of moss, straw, and branches, resemble living forest spirits as they parade through the village, attracting a crowd around them. They are accompanied by other figures: a symbolic cow, the local ‘alcalde,’ a lawman, and mysterious ‘carotulas.’ Each plays a part in a complex drama where chaos meets order, youth confronts maturity, and good clashes with evil.
Rituals and Symbols
The morning begins with a procession of young residents who have just turned 18. They knock on their neighbors’ doors, ask for support, and, in doing so, announce their coming of age. This is more than a formality—for many families, this moment becomes a real event, as it marks a transition into a new stage of life. After midday, the main event kicks off: the harramachos and their companions gather in the central square, where a symbolic battle unfolds.
A special role is given to the cow — one of the younger participants takes it on, with horns tied to his waist. He charges at the harramachos and onlookers, provoking laughter, fear and excitement. At this moment, it feels as if the line between play and reality disappears, and the entire village becomes an arena where the elements clash. The climax comes when the ‘alcalde’ crosses the river dividing Navalacruz, leaning on a long pole. This crossing is more than a dramatic trick; it is an ancient symbol of coming of age and overcoming obstacles.
The festival finale
After the procession returns to the village center, it’s time for the final act. In the square, a scene unfolds with the ‘killing’ of the cow — not an act of cruelty, but a theatrical ritual rich in meaning. Immediately afterward, effigies are burned, seen as a ritual of cleansing and bidding farewell to the past. The entire holiday is filled with music, laughter and vibrant costumes, all hand-sewn by local craftswomen. Every detail — from embroidered ribbons to traditional cloaks — preserves the memory of ancestors and their worldview.
In recent years, interest in this event has grown noticeably. More and more tourists are coming to Navalacruz to see this unique spectacle for themselves. Locals are proud that their tradition has not only survived, but has also gained official cultural heritage status. In 2023, regional authorities recognized the harramachos masquerade as an object of special value, an important step towards protecting and promoting the festival.
Connection with other traditions
Spain is rich in unusual winter rituals, and each region strives to preserve its unique character. For example, in Cuenca, the streets are filled with hundreds of ‘devils’ wearing bells every February, while Teruel transforms into a medieval capital for several days, with locals and visitors alike becoming part of a large-scale historical spectacle. Learn more about how modern Spaniards are reviving forgotten traditions in our article on Teruel’s February transformation.
All this shows that the interest in one’s roots and the search for personal identity are becoming more relevant than ever. Festivals like the Harramachos are not just about entertainment—they also make us reflect on what it means to be part of a community where past and present are intertwined in the most unexpected ways.
The Harramachos from Navalacruz are more than just a masquerade—they are a living symbol of resilience against time. Thanks to the efforts of local residents and the Cantobolero Association, the festival has preserved its authenticity. Costumes are still sewn by hand here, and every detail—from the modest ribbon to the elaborate mask—carries the memory of generations. For many visitors, this carnival is a revelation: it turns out that in a small village, you can discover something that completely changes your perspective on Spain’s culture and traditions.
Jarramachos is a unique phenomenon that has endured in Navalcacruz for centuries. This masquerade stands out not only for its vibrant costumes and unusual characters, but also for its profound symbolism reflecting the struggle between chaos and order, adulthood and childhood. Recognized as cultural heritage and supported by the local community, the festival lives on, drawing the attention of not only Spaniards but also travelers from around the world. Every February, Navalcacruz becomes a place where past and present meet face-to-face, and traditions gain new life.
