Photojournalism nominee

The festival of "las Carantoñas" mixes christian tradition with pagan elements. The colorful types with which the inhabitants of Acehúche (Extremadura, Spain) celebrate their party are loaded with symbolism and mystery. The party seems to have its origin in the legend of san Sebastian, a roman soldier who was judged and sentenced to death for refusing to give up his christian faith. After being tortured, he was thrown to the beasts (represented by the Carantoñas). However, they remained around san Sebastian without attacking him; a gesture that symbolized the respect to the saint. Coming back to the festival, a drummer and women in typical costumes follow the party during the tour and throw confetti to the saint and dancing. The costume with which men dress up is typically made of animal fur (sheep, goat or fox) and they disguise their head with a horrible mask that also covered in fur and display characteristic as red peppers, wild pig teeth… In order to complete the attire, they carry a dry branch of olive tree (acebuche) in their hand. During the procession, they go in front of the saint to worship him and men fire shotgun blasts into the air. And how to wrap up a long day of celebration? there is a tasting of local wine and pastries and what’s better…the celebration continues the day after!

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