December 28

Known as Childermas or the Feast of the Holy Innocents, December 28 honors the young lives lost in King Herod’s orders. Catholic, Anglican, and Lutheran congregations hold solemn services with readings and prayers. In Spain and parts of Latin America, the day blends solemnity with humor through inocentadas—harmless pranks reminiscent of April Fools’ Day. The town of Ibi in Spain famously stages Els Enfarinats, a mock battle involving flour and eggs, symbolizing community and charity. This observance balances reflection on tragedy with cultural festivity.

Els Enfarinats is an annual festivity held on December 28 in Ibi, Spain, where locals and visitors gather to witness a playful mock coup d'etat. The celebration begins at dawn when self-proclaimed rebels seize the town hall, issuing humorous decrees and satirical fines to citizens. Armed with flour bombs, eggs, and fire extinguishers, the participants engage in a raucous street battle symbolizing a reversal of power. Rooted in 19th-century customs linked to the Day of the Holy Innocents, the event blends satire, community spirit, and local folklore. After the 'coup,' authority is restored in a theatrical ceremony, and the town rejoices with music, processions, and communal feasts. Declared an intangible cultural heritage of the Valencian Community, Els Enfarinats draws enthusiasts from around the world to experience its unique blend of chaos and celebration.