Ancient Spanish pueblo with 'Kill Jews' as part of its name holds referendum on change

MADRID – The tiny Spanish pueblo of Castrillo Matajudios, whose name means "Camp Kill Jews," is holding a referendum to determine whether villagers want to change the name.

Mayor Lorenzo Rodriguez said voting began Sunday at the village 260 kilometers (160 miles) north of Madrid for 56 registered voters.

Documents show the town's original name was Castrillo Motajudios, meaning "Jews' Hill."

The "Kill Jews" part of the name dates from 1627, after a 1492 Spanish edict ordering Jews to become Catholics or flee the country. Those who remained faced the Spanish inquisition, with many burned at the stake.

If voters decide to change the name, no decision would be made on a new name until June.