A military coup took place in Ibi, Spain. The mayor is removed from office, and the citizens took control—but solely for one day!  

The “Els Enfarinats” festival, which is part of celebrations related to  the “Day of the Innocents”— the Spanish equivalent to April Fools’ Day—is celebrated there on every December 28, and the egg and flour fights are an important component of this annual festival.  

The participants carry out a “revolution,” in front of the City Hall building, and elect a mayor who, subsequently, is awarded medals and symbols.

Next, the newly appointed city authorities begin collecting “taxes” from the residents. The amount is symbolic, but those that do not pay them are dipped into flour and eggs and are taken to the jail that is placed at the city center.       

The “opposition” shows up in the afternoon, ITAR-TASS News Agency reports, and attempts to overthrow the newly elected mayor. Aside from eggs and flour, “heavier artillery,” such as fire extinguishers, is used at that time.         

The “battle” ends with a collective singing and dancing, and the collected “taxes” are given to charity.

To note, this tradition goes back two-hundred years.