Every December 28, the Catholic Church commemorates the Day of the Holy Innocents, a moment to pay homage to life and the dignity of every person. Monsignor Rubén Darío Jaramillo Montoya, the bishop of Buenaventura, Colombia, offers reflections urging us to look beyond historical events to grasp deep messages of life, dignity, and justice.
Referencing the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2:15), Monsignor Jaramillo recalls the grim episode where Herod, furious about the perceived threat to his throne, ordered the execution of all male infants under two years old in Bethlehem and its vicinity. “This act reflects the extent of evil to which human anger can lead,” he asserts. While he acknowledges anger isn’t inherently bad, it can become blinding. “It makes one exact revenge upon the innocent,” he notes.
The bishop observes current societal trends, indicating people have grown accustomed to living amid various forms of violence—direct, structural, or symbolic—neglecting the dignity of those seen as threats. This can escalate to fatal consequences for the vulnerable, just as the innocents lost their lives due to the rage of an unjust ruler. “The blood of innocent children was shed because of the fury of a tyrant. Yet they triumphed, achieving glory at the dawn of their lives,” he emphasizes.
The celebration of the Holy Innocents, he argues, is not just homage to those lost children but is also a chance to reflect on modern-day innocents—migrants, victims of violence, and those dismissed by society. He encourages discovering the message of love arising from this day, distancing oneself from the malice of sin. “Let the love of these children, for the Son of God, inspire us to recognize Christ as humanity's sole savior and commit to protecting every person's life and dignity.” On this day, communities are reminded to engage with hope and commitment, striving to create societies rooted in justice, peace, and love.
While the religious significance prevails, the Day of the Holy Innocents has also taken on the character of lightheartedness, particularly seen through the lens of humor and pranks found especially across Spain and Latin America. The day permits harmless jokes to be played on friends and family, reflecting the ancient proverb: “Today, no one should lend anything.” One widely practiced trick is to discreetly pin a small figure—often paper—on someone’s back, which evokes laughter when discovered.
The duality of the day—sombre remembrance mingled with light-hearted jest—echoes across cultures. For example, Spain’s version of the day shares similarities with America’s April Fools' Day, where light-hearted pranks abound, yet it also retains the melting pot of cultural traditions. Villagers engage jovially, often pulling off practical jokes, with the classic “¡inocente, inocente!” marking the reveal of the trick.
Some specific celebrations vary by region. The town of Ibi, Alicante, witnessed a revival of festive traditions on December 28, 1981, incorporating mock military coups and celebratory battles utilizing flour and eggs. Locals dress up, commandeer the town, and sport humorous regulations, with fines for those breaching the amusing laws directed toward charity.
Events include traditional masses honoring the innocent children lost centuries ago, yet spring forth with joyous communal activities like parades, fairs, and music following the solemn observance. It is not uncommon to experience elaborate hoaxes and fictitious news reports, infusing revelry with mirth.
Children and adults partake with enthusiasm, recalling famous pranks such as hiding coins on the street or placing figures on someone's back to mimic innocently having ‘fooled’ someone. This reflective practice contrasts with the day’s gravity yet invigorates it with humor, demonstrating the resilience of cultural spirits.
Indeed, the day’s variation—even within the same country—shows the unique traits communities uphold. For example, El Salvador reveres the day religiously, with festivities dedicated to the Holy Innocents marked by vibrant parades and expressions of gratitude. The townspeople gather to celebrate with traditional foods and crafts, transforming it from solely reflection to unity and joy.
Through generations, the enigmatic interplay between solemnity and play is retained. The Day of the Holy Innocents invites us to channel our inner kindness and compassion, ensuring the legacy of those tragic events brings forth dialogue around dignity, life, and mutual respect.
Whether observed through prayers or playful antics, the essence remains clear—protection of the innocent, honor for the losses endured, and hope for future peace. Each December 28th, lives and laughter coexist, embodying the undying spirit of human connection, remembrance, and joy.
