CORPUS CHRISTI. HELECHOSA DE LOS MONTES

Date: Eve of Corpus Christi

The streets, squares, balconies and facades of the town where the procession passes are decked with drapes, tree branches, thyme and rosemary scattered on the ground to worship the Eucharist. The procession is preceded by the Diablucos who, in red clothing trimmed in black, with bells and a tail attached to the back of their hips, cover their heads with black cloths and their faces with devil masks. They dance to the sound of castanets and drums that they play, producing rhythmic and catchy music.

               Three devils in the procession of Corpus Christi

The whole route of the procession is marked with different altars with offerings and typical products of the town (such as candelilla, cannelloni, flowers, etc.) and country and animal products. All this is collected in a room after the procession goes by in order to hold an Almoneda or public auction in the afternoon.

The Diablucos go out in the afternoon before the Corpus, playing the Víspera, in other words, announcing the arrival of the festival. Throughout the route of the procession, they go in front with their music, making pirouettes and dancing to the Eucharist, in order to distract the attention of those watching. who sing Eucharistic songs. When procession ends and they are back in the church, when the priest with the custodia (communion plate) prepares to give his blessing, the Diablucos escape quickly, feeling defeated by the Eucharist.