Pecados and Danzantes of Camuñas, an ancestral festival

Danzantes. Por HSS

Pecados. Por HSS

Danzantes. Por HSS

The Pecados and Danzantes festival of Camuñas is one of the most unique celebrations in Castilla-La Mancha, declared of Regional Tourist Interest. Each Corpus Christi, the small town reenacts an ancient mime duel between Good and Evil, where tradition and devotion merge in a spectacle full of gunpowder, drums, and symbolism.

History and Meaning

Origin: Renaissance-era roots (16th–17th c.), adapted by the Church as an Auto Sacramental to teach the faith.
Current Title: “The Triumph of Grace over Sin,” reflecting virtue’s victory in the ceremonial combat.
Designation: Declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest in 2000.

The Protagonists

Pecados: dressed in red and black with dark masks and long staffs, representing passions and temptations.
Danzantes: clad in white, light masks, espadrilles and neckerchiefs, embodying purity, joy, and divine light.
Music: dulzaina (shawm) and drum set the rhythm for the procession and the Cord Dance.

Ritual Development

Wednesday Eve: bell ringing and banner presentation in the Plaza Mayor.
Thursday (Corpus Christi):
- Morning: Solemn Mass and floral offering to the Blessed Sacrament.
- Procession: after Mass, the Pecados lurk outside while gunpowder and drums thunder.
- Symbolic combat: the Pecados charge but are repelled and subdued by the Blessed Palms carried by the Danzantes.
- Cord Dance: the Danzantes entwine their scarves into a loop symbolizing Grace’s embrace.
Friday and Saturday: nocturnal gatherings in the squares, pyrotechnic displays and duel rehearsals.
Sunday: farewell with distribution of traditional sweets and bell ringing.

Participation and Traditions

Eligibility: from First Communion (8 years), men and women, though originally male-only.
Generational relay: new Danzantes and Pecados are chosen each year by popular draw.
Attire: handcrafted costumes and masks, many heirlooms from ancestors.

Visitor Tips

Arrive early to witness costume changes and banner parades.
Protect your ears and eyes during the gunpowder duel.
Respect passageways and keep the plaza clean after events.

Come to Camuñas at Corpus Christi and discover how, amid gunpowder and dances, the town celebrates the eternal victory of Grace over Sin each year.