Since 1397 the small town of Bejar, Spain has held up an intriguing tradition with the festival El Hombre de Musgo.
The story goes that the Christian population reconquered the town from the “Moros” by completely covering themselves in moss. Camouflaged, they then crawled through the surrounding landscape unseen by the lookouts on city walls. When they finally got close to the city gates, their sudden, horrific appearance completely surprised the guards.
Today, the men and women of Bejar re-create the dressing in moss as they have done for over 600 years. The volunteers are bound in layers of moss, emerging as otherworldly beasts.
David captured some interesting scenes from the preparation and the festival.
PERSONAL:
David Vintiner
Los Hombres de Musgo