Procession of the Moss Men: Spanish town celebrates tradition dating from the 12th century Tradition dates back to 12th century legend of Christians dressing in moss They wore camouflage to enter the town at night to hide from Muslim guards Became part of Corpus Christi procession in 1397 They might look like dodgy Dr Who villains but these 'Moss Men' are in fact part of a Spanish tradition which dates back to the 12th century. The Procession of the Hombres de Musgo in the town of Bejar, in the province of Salamanca, originates from a legend involving Christians reconquering the town by entering at night covered in moss to camouflage themselves from the Muslim guards. By 1397 it had merged with the Corpus Christi procession in the town, which remains today. Residents in the Spanish town of Bejar take part in the Procession of the Hombres de Musgo, or Moss Men, to celebrate a legend dating back to the 12th century The procession originates from a legend involving Christians reconquering the town by entering at night covered in moss to camouflage themselves from the Muslim guards The procession starts at one of the churches in the town and goes through the entire old quarter The procession features a series of cultural events such as the Three Cultures Music Festival, drama, exhibitions, conferences and a balcony decorating contest. Residents in the town still cover themselves from head to toe in moss before taking part in the procession. During the procession the Moss Men accompany the Town Council and other authorities in the Corpus Christi procession through the streets of the town. They leave from the Church of Santa Maria la Mayor and walk around the town's old quarter where the streets are carpeted with thyme. During the walk onlookers shower the moss men with flower petals. The procession ends up at the Church of El Salvado in the Plaza Mayor where a flag representing the old Muslim government is surrendered. Onlookers usually shower the Moss Men with flower petals as they take part in the procession By 1397 the procession had merged with the Corpus Christi celebrations in the town Those taking part in the procession still cover themselves from head to toe in moss The town of Bejar is home to El Bosque Villa, a collection of 16th century Renaissance buildings. The 11th century Moorish walls also remain in the town while the bullring is believed to be the oldest in Spain. The town has a deep textile tradition and is situated just 30km away from the mountains of the Sierra de Francia. One of the participants has a segment of his suit fitted before taking part in the procession The procession ends at the Church of El Salvado where a flag representing the old Muslim government is surrendered The procession also features a series of cultural events such as the Three Cultures Music Festival, drama, exhibitions, conferences and a balcony decorating contest