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Some fiestas in the provinces of Alicante and Murcia are so bizarre that they defy logic. Although all parties in 'fiestagek' Spain have been suspended due to the corona virus, in a short series we highlight some of the crazy parties that we hope to be able to celebrate again soon. Part 1: Fiesta de los Enharinados.
The village center of Ibi is the setting of a 'revolution' every year on December 28, in which 14 married men take over the administration of the town. They are enacting ridiculous rules and laws for the "new righteousness" that will run for the rest of that day. Follow their instructions and you may not be punished. If not, a fine must be paid. Those who refuse to do so suddenly find themselves in a war zone where countless eggs, pounds and pounds of flour and firework bombs are the main weapons. Because every government can expect opposition, the tone has been set for a day of confrontations with a wink.
The origin of the Fiesta de los Enharinados is unfortunately unknown. The fact is that the party goes back more than 200 years. The people of Ibi also make no attempt to give a cultural or historical explanation to this revolution for 1 day. It seems little more than an excuse to bring the child in the participants back to life.
But that is precisely what makes this party as fun as it is absurd. Imagine what it is like to see people dancing to live music all over the village, while the warring parties attack each other with 'flour bombs' and eggs. And let's not forget that the fighting is going on, while the troops are dressed in ludicrous fake uniforms.
Could it be any stranger? Oh yes. Around noon, the opposing armies join together for an extensive and friendly lunch, before resuming the hostilities in full force.
The party in Ibi, which is 32 kilometers from Alicante, is part of 'The day of the innocent'. This day has a lot in common with the jokes we make on April 1. Incidentally, those who are fined for flouting the new rules have the satisfaction that their money is being donated to charity. That may be the only normal thing about this thoroughly weird party.
