What's got 2 horns, a costume and 18 tons of turnips? A curious festival in Spain
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Hundreds of people have been running through the streets of a tiny town in southwestern Spain, chasing a fancy-dressed, beast-like figure and pelting it with turnips.
The event Wednesday was part of the bizarre 'Jarramplas' festival which is held in Piornal each Jan 19-20.
Following the yearly tradition, a town volunteer donned a costume of multicolored ribbons and a protective devilish mask with horns. He then charged through the streets, beating a drum until he couldn't stand the punishment anymore.
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Local farmers supplied some 18 tons of turnips for the festival. Its origins are uncertain but the local tourism office says the 'Jarramplas' figure represents a cattle thief. Others say it has religious roots.
The festival finished later Wednesday with musical and gastronomic celebrations.