Powder Day

[1] A more likely origin of the tradition is said to have its roots in a Christian/Moorish riot in the 16th century when Tolox, then under Christian control, had a large Moorish population.

[3] In years gone by, the custom evolved that young men wanting to request their girlfriends' hand in marriage would throw flour at them.

If the lad was still keen, he had to smartly outwit her by climbing to the roof or breaking windows and doors to get her smeared with the flour, thus winning her heart in a symbolic way,[1] or simply to impress her.

[4] Nowadays this tradition especially appeals to the young people who hurl talcum powder instead of flour at each other, without preference or distinction as to gender or origin, until they are completely covered with it.

[5] A similar custom takes place in Alozaina, in which hundreds of people celebrate the "hariná", in remembrance of the times when their ancestors covered young women with wheat flour from the mills to show their love.