An essential part of the seasonal scene, local popular history carácter Juan Pelotero and Los Inocentes is an institution in Calasparra.
Juan Pelotero is a traditional popular character dating back to the XV century. He walks the streets of Calasparra, with his gang, Los Inocentes (the Innocents), are made up of the Town Clerk (Escribano), the Judge ( Juez) and Jailor (carcelero).
The gang carry a baton, an old book of command and a turkey feather quill: symbols of municipal authority, which they use to issue “fines” to people they meet in the street. As ridiculous and bizarre as that may seem.
The main character, Juan Pelotero, his face painted blue, walks around waving an instrument, made up of a stick with a rag ball on the end (hence the name pelotero from the word “pelota” which is ball in Spanish). The rules of the game are basically that any Calasparrian they meet in the street pays them to “hit” any other person than themselves. When Juan Pelotero finds the nominated victim, they must pay more money to avoid being “beaten” or they can return the favour of a “beating” to the person who nominated them.
Juan Pelotero and his gang take to the streets of central Calasparra on December 28 (see full programme on this webpage).
Be very afraid!!!!!!
