The miterious Jarramplas

The January 19th and 20 th, the Jarramplas, a mystical figure, walks by Piornal narrow streets. This figure symbolizes the Good over the Evil.

This is one of the most mystic celebrations in Extremadura. There are no concrete dates nor references relating its orgin. For that reason, an antropological study tried to shed light on this custom.

Above all it is clear that its meaning is the success of the Good over the Evil. The man from El Piornal who is chosen to be Jarramplas is really proud. He has to go around the village playing the drumm and must suffer la mandá, a promise.

He is dressed up with colour ribbons and a hat which covers his head, moreover the Jarramplas is playing a drumm that completes the costume. Meanwhile he undergoes the punishment and taunt from inhabitants and visitors.

January 19th noon. Jarramplas goes out and, since that moment, for the next 48 hours, he will be hit by people with tons of turnips .

In the evining he will visit Saint Sebastian church to take down the saint. The figure of Saint Sebastian will be brought down to dress it up and put into a platform, there the image will be the centre of the religious celebrations.

At the midnight is the moment to sing the Alborás, typical statments, while seasoned crumbs and delicious 'pitarra' wine is distributed to the people.

The January 20th, Saint Sebastian Day, comes and Jarramplas goes with the Saint along the streets. Jarramplas plays the drumm in the procession.

Once the parade has finished, the hardest moment for Jarramplas begins, he will be hit hardly with big turnips by a large amount of people. This act will last until Jarramplas weakens and will not be able to walk anymore. The more Jarramplas bears the situation the more valiant and proud he will be.

When Jarramplas has finished his last trip, he goes back to the temple. There he shows his face and the crowd burst into a big applause to recognize his bravery and effort.

Jarramplas at Flickr.com

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