The Little Devil at Sepúlveda (EN)
In Sepúlveda, the night of August 23 turns into a spectacle that is as unexpected as it is deeply rooted: the appearance of “El Diablillo,” a unique tradition that combines mystery, fire, and collective excitement.
A night where tradition, fire, and play merge into a singular ritual.
The origins of this celebration are lost in time. Although there are no documents pinpointing its exact beginning, accounts place it at least in the early 20th century. This blend of vague history and living continuity is precisely what defines its character: a tradition passed down more through emotion than through writing.
Linked to the feast of Saint Bartholomew, the neighborhood’s patron saint, the celebration takes place the night before, when the town begins to gather near the church. Ten minutes before ten o’clock at night, the scene already foreshadows what is to come: a bonfire is lit with the firewood used in the ovens where the traditional Sepulvedan suckling lamb is roasted, creating a direct link between daily life and festive ritual.
At ten o’clock sharp, the sound of bells breaks the murmur and the streetlights go out. For a few moments, darkness dominates the scene. It is then that, almost abruptly, the little devils emerge from the bonfire: figures dressed in bright red, with hats, illuminated glasses, and brooms in hand.
Their appearance completely transforms the atmosphere. Jumping, running, and laughing, they race down the steps and through the surrounding area among the crowd, surprising people with symbolic swipes of their brooms—a part of the game and the tradition. For nearly half an hour, tension, laughter, and surprise intertwine in a scene that blends the festive with the ritual.
The strength of this tradition lies in its authenticity and the community’s involvement, with a prominent role played by the Friends of “El Diablillo” Association, which is responsible for keeping this legacy alive.
Recognized as a Traditional Event of Provincial Cultural Interest in 2018, this celebration is today one of Sepúlveda’s most distinctive symbols.
The end comes when exhaustion overcomes the little devils, who make their final run amid applause, leaving behind an image brimming with energy, tradition, and collective camaraderie.
You can experience this tradition in:
A celebration not merely observed from the outside, but experienced from within, in direct contact with the tradition and those who keep it alive.
Where fire awakens tradition and the night comes alive.