Las Mayas on the streets of Madrid, Spain

A 'Maya' girl sits on an altar during the traditional celebration of
'Las Mayas' on the streets in Colmenar Viejo, near Madrid, Spain, on May
2, 2015. The festivity of the Maya comes from pagan rites and dates from
the medieval age, appearing in ancient documents. It takes place every
year in the beginning of May and celebrates the beginning of the spring.



Girls between 7 and 11 years old are chosen as 'Maya' and sit still,
serious and quiet for a couple of hours in altars on the street
decorated with flowers and plants. Afterwards they walk to the church
with their family where they attend a ceremony.