ALSASUA – Here in the Spanish Pyrenees, the locals celebrate quite a bizarre tradition with roots in ancient times — made alive again by those who like to mingle with the walking dead. During this weeklong Alsasua fiesta, abandoned in the 1930s but picked up again in the 1990s, the “Momotxorros” are dressed in blood-spattered cloth, animal heads, forks in hand scaring and taunting everyone who crosses their path.
The 2013 edition wrapped up on Saturday, with plenty of blood, but no injuries….here’s a look:
Momotxorro, lighting a bonfire Theklan
This pagan ritual used to include the incineration of live animals Mr. Theklan
Dip your fork in cattle blood and put it on your clothes for extra scary effect Mr. Theklan
Motxomorro in full costume Mr. Theklan
The Witch… Mr. Theklan
…and the Goat are new additions to this carnival, where children are welcome! Mr. Theklan