Els Enfarinats
Every December 28th (Holy Innocents' Day), the town of Ibi erupts into a massive flour, egg and firecracker battle as mock revolutionaries 'seize power' in this 200-year-old tradition.
Highlights
- Massive flour and egg battle in the streets
- Mock revolution and absurd law-making
- 200+ year old tradition on Holy Innocents' Day
- Firecrackers adding to the chaos
- Entire town covered in white flour
Els Enfarinats ('The Floured Ones') is one of Spain's most spectacular and unusual festivals, held every December 28th — Día de los Santos Inocentes (Spain's equivalent of April Fools' Day) — in the small town of Ibi, Alicante.
The festival begins when a group of 'revolutionaries' (Els Enfarinats) stage a mock coup, taking over the town and imposing absurd laws and fines on citizens. The 'opposition' (La Oposició) tries to restore order. What follows is an epic street battle where participants hurl flour, eggs and firecrackers at each other.
The entire town centre becomes a white-powdered war zone, with thousands of kilos of flour flying through the air. Despite the chaos, the festival has deep roots — it's been celebrated for over 200 years and symbolises the overturning of established order.
What to Expect
Pure, joyful chaos. If you're in the battle zone, you WILL get covered in flour and eggs — there's no avoiding it. The atmosphere is incredible — a mix of medieval carnival and food fight. The battle lasts the morning; by afternoon the town celebrates with music and food.
How to Get There
Ibi is 40km inland from Alicante. Best reached by car via the A-7 motorway. Limited bus services from Alicante and Alcoy. The nearest airport is Alicante-Elche (50km). Nearest train station is Alicante.
Tips & Advice
- Wear old clothes you can throw away — you'll be covered in flour and eggs
- Protect your camera/phone in a waterproof case
- Arrive early to see the mock revolution and law-making
- Stay at the edges if you want to watch without full participation
- Ibi is also home to Spain's toy industry — visit the toy museum
Plan Your Trip
Book accommodation and transport for this festival. Get the best deals on hotels and train tickets.
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