Fiestas de los Mozos

Description

One of the most deeply rooted popular festivals in Rus. A unique and singular celebration, unlike any other in the province or indeed the whole country, marking both Corpus Christi and Carnival twice a year. Its origin lies in the great plagues and epidemics that struck this part of the province in the 17th century, mainly affecting young people. According to oral tradition, residents implored the Blessed Sacrament, which they carried out in a rogation procession so that the epidemic would end — and from that moment, no further infections occurred. The young men who survived decided to celebrate by wearing disguises, giving rise to the tradition of carrying the Blessed Sacrament in procession in September and warding off death with “mascarillas” (masks).