Els Enfarinats

Spain's Flour-Powered Rebellion

2025/12/27

Every December 28th, the town of Ibi in Alicante, Spain, is transformed into a powdery battlefield for the 200-year-old festival known as Els Enfarinats. Dressed in mock military uniforms, the “Enfarinats” take over the streets, staging a mock coup d’état using eggs, flour, and firecrackers as their weapons. Locals and visitors alike are swept into the chaos, laughter, and total mayhem of Spain’s largest food fight after La Tomatina

This festival, set in Ibi’s old town, is open to anyone who wants to join or simply watch. Held on the Day of the Innocents—Spain’s version of April Fools’—it’s a day for all ages to revel in role reversal, humor, and joyful anarchy between Christmas and New Year’s.

Main Attractions

The Flour and Egg “Coup”

The stars of the festival are around twenty “Enfarinats,” who gather early in the morning in mock military dress and colorful face paint to proclaim “New Justice” and seize control of the city. They battle the “Opposition” with flour bombs, eggs, firecrackers, and even fire extinguishers filled with flour. The town is quickly blanketed in white, and spectators are often caught in the crossfire, adding to the fun and chaos.

Key Events

At 8 a.m., the Enfarinats take over the city, and by 9 a.m., a “Race for Mayor” decides the day’s leader. In the church square, the “L'Aixavegó” fine ritual and the “Arreplegada” (floury tax collection) unfold, with the Enfarinats imposing absurd laws and “arresting” those who don’t comply. The afternoon ends with the traditional “Dansà” dance—only allowed with the Enfarinats Mayor’s permission—followed by a festive meal and awards for the best disguises.

Costumes and Decorations

The Enfarinats wear mock military uniforms, black top hats, and colorful face paint, while the Opposition often dons costumes or disguises. The town is decorated with flags, banners, and flowers, but as the day goes on, everyone and everything is soon covered in a layer of flour and egg.

Traditional Food & Drink

After the floury battle, locals warm up with Ibi’s specialties like torrijas (fried bread), churros, and hot chocolate. Local wine and cava (sparkling wine) are also popular, and the sweet scent of fried pastries and the tang of wine fill the air.

Cultural and Historical Background

The origins of Els Enfarinats are unclear, but the festival has been celebrated for over 200 years, with the earliest records dating back to 1636. Its roots are believed to connect to Roman Saturnalia, a festival of role reversal where slaves took on the roles of masters for a day, as well as Carnival traditions. During the Franco dictatorship, the festival was banned, but it was revived in the 1980s and has since become a source of local pride and charity.

The festival takes place on the Day of the Innocents, commemorating the biblical Massacre of the Innocents and serving as Spain’s “prank day.” For the people of Ibi, it’s a cherished day to turn the social order upside down, express humor and creativity, and strengthen community bonds. The money collected from fines is donated to local charities, making the chaos meaningful.

Participant Voices

I visited as a tourist and was amazed by the explosions of firecrackers and eggs! In the end, everyone danced together and enjoyed the local fried bread. It was a warm, uniquely Spanish experience.

Fun Facts

The Enfarinats group is made up of about 20 close friends or relatives, with nearly the same members each year.
Money collected from “fines” is donated to local charities, such as the Ibi retirement home.
The earliest known record of the festival is from 1636; it was banned during the Franco dictatorship and revived in the 1980s.
Hundreds of kilos of flour and eggs are used, making it Spain’s biggest food fight after La Tomatina.
The final “Dansà” dance can only be performed with the Enfarinats Mayor’s permission.