Los Machurreros de Pedro Bernardo are the protagonists of their traditional winter masquerade of the Sierra de Gredos. Many villagers state that they do not remember seeing any Machurreros in their childhood. The tradition was lost after the Spanish Civil War, when all such rituals and celebrations were banned under the rule of Franco. In 2013, Pedro Bernardo’s Siempreviva Sociocultural Association carried out documentary work interviewing the last living witnesses, who told first-hand stories of the Machurreros. Today, sadly, almost all the interviewees have passed away, but due to their valuable memories the tradition has been recovered in recent years for the first time since the early 1940s.
The Machurreros wear a hand carved wooden mask, a black scarf over their head, army fatigues, cowbells and carry a wicker stick. Originally the character was only played by men, representing a coming of age and being able to go to War. Now, women and child participate and get to don the mask as well. The tradition continues to grow, this year with a large number of participants thanks to the provision of costumes by the Municipal Council and the involvement of many school children.
Machurreros once again roam the streets during their masquerade, causing mischief, splashing in the fountains, and stealing sausages.
