Els Enfarinats flour-battle: A 200-year-old tradition comes alive in Ibi, Spain

One-of-a-kind event marks the Day of the Holy Innocents with lively flour and egg fight

Last updated: December 30, 2024 | 07:49

2 MIN READ

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The tiny town of Ibi in Alicante, Spain, is once again awash with laughter, madness and a haze of flour as locals marked the 'Els Enfarinats' festival.

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This one-of-a-kind and colourful event, which has been going on for more than 200 years, celebrates the Day of the Holy Innocents with a mock coup d'état and a lively flour and egg fight.

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The day started early with the 'Els Enfarinats' taking over the mayor's office and declaring absurd laws.

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Dressed in military uniforms, the participants then faced off against 'La Oposicio' (The Opposition) in a playful and messy battle.

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Armed with flour, eggs, and firecrackers, the revellers pelted each other with abandon, covering the town in a blanket of white powder.

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At 5 PM, the 'Els Enfarinats' relinquished their mock authority, and the town celebrated with traditional dances and music.

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The name 'Els Enfarinats' comes from the Valencian word for 'breaded' or 'floured,' reflecting the essence of the festival.

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Revellers dressed in mock military garb take part in 'Els Enfarinats' flour-battle in the southeastern Spanish town of Ibi.

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Participants battle using flour, eggs and firecrackers outside the town hall as part of the celebrations of the Day of the Innocents, a traditional day in Spain for pulling pranks.

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Revellers dressed in mock military garb take part in 'Els Enfarinats' flour-battle in the southeastern Spanish town of Ibi.

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