10 Random Absurd Facts: Spain Edition

Spain - land of sun, sangria, and siestas. But behind the flamenco and paella lies a country gloriously committed to the bizarre. Here are 10 facts so ridiculous, you'll think we made them up after too much Rioja:

1. There's an Annual Baby Jumping Festival
In Castrillo de Murcia, men dressed as devils literally jump over babies in a 400-year-old tradition called "El Colacho" to cleanse them of original sin. Health and safety officials look the other way.

2. The Spanish National Anthem Has No Words
The "Marcha Real" is one of only four national anthems without lyrics. Spaniards just hum along awkwardly at football matches.

3. Tomato Fighters Must Crush Tomatoes First
La Tomatina's famous tomato battle has strict rules: tomatoes must be squished before throwing to prevent injuries. Because nothing says "safety" like 20,000 people pelting each other with rotten fruit.

4. A Mayor Legally Married a Statue
In 2006, Mayor José María Raído "wed" a statue of a 13th-century queen for publicity. The stone bride didn't object.

5. Spaniards Eat 12 Grapes in 12 Seconds for Luck
On New Year's Eve, the entire country attempts this choking hazard. Fail, and you're cursed with bad luck (or a trip to A&E).

6. There's a Church Dedicated to a Failed Saint
The Church of Santa Rita in Madrid worships the "patron saint of impossible causes" - including, presumably, Spain's national football team pre-2008.

7. Nudity Is Legal Everywhere (But Don't Try It)
While technically legal to stroll naked, you'll still get fined for "disturbing public order." AKA: "Yes, but why are you naked in Mercadona?"

8. A Village Elected a Ham Mayor
In 2011, the town of Castrillo Matajudíos voted in a leg of ham as honorary mayor. His porky policies were surprisingly popular.

9. Spain Has Two Official Time Zones (But Uses One)
Geographically in GMT, Spain runs on CET because Franco wanted to match Hitler in 1940. Now the entire country eats dinner at 10pm like confused vampires.

10. The King Once Shot a Drunk Bear
In 2006, King Juan Carlos went to Russia, got wasted, and tried to shoot a bear named "Mitrofan." He missed, the bear survived, and Spain collectively facepalmed.

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10 Random Absurd Facts: Spain Edition

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