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Trasmoz, a sleepy village on a hill. In the background, the snow-capped peaks of the Moncayo mountain range in the province of Aragon. A textbook example of an idyllic scene. But appearances can be deceiving. Here, a centuries-long tragedy unfolded, involving witches, superstition, abuse of power, envy, and revenge. The result is that a thriving 13th-century community of over 10,000 inhabitants has been reduced to fewer than 100 villagers. The reason for this is the curse that the Pope pronounced over the entire village in 1511, which excluded the people from the Catholic Church and made both confession and receiving the holy sacraments impossible.
Back to the beginning. Where and when did it all start? Trasmoz was a prosperous community in the 13th century. Thanks to the presence of iron and silver mines, as well as large supplies of wood and water, the village thrived. It could even afford not to be directly influenced by the powerful Catholic Church. For example, it did not pay taxes to the nearby monastery, something the Church did not like.
The real problems began when the residents of Trasmoz Castle started enriching themselves by producing counterfeit coins on a large scale. To explain the noise they made to the rest of the population, they spread a rumor. Wizards and witches were said to be rattling chains and forging cauldrons in which magical potions were brewed at night. The excuse was believed, and from then on, Trasmoz was forever associated with witchcraft.
The persistent rumors gave the Pope the perfect reason to eventually pronounce his curse over the entire village. And to this day, the Catholic Church has not lifted the curse.
For the few people who still call Trasmoz home today, a new phase has begun. The bizarre past, which resulted in the dramatic and often violent decline of a once-rich village, is now focused on tourism. Every year in June, a large witches' market is held there. Allegedly healing lotions and potions are brewed and sold, which are often said to have hallucinogenic effects. Historical scenes from the turbulent past are reenacted, and someone is given the dubious honor of being chosen as Witch of the Year.
