Last August, I was living in Barcelona for the summer, and during the Festa Major de Gràcia, I saw an early morning event called the Correfoc in their program. A quick Google described the vent as a fiery festivity, and that was all I needed to hear before I set my alarm for 7:30 am to ensure I was there bright and early to participate in this fantastic tradition. The Correfoc is more than just a pyrotechnic show; it celebrates Catalonia’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. The event brings together people of all ages, fostering a sense of unity and collective joy. It’s incredibly theatrical, unlike anything you’ll see elsewhere!
What is the Correfoc or Firerun?
The Correfoc, or fire run, is a thrilling event where streets or town squares are plunged into a dramatic display of fire and pyrotechnics. Participants, known as “diables” (devils), dress in elaborate costumes and masks and carry pitchforks and other devices that shoot sparks and fireworks.
Often, these devils are little children, which might come as a surprise, but since this tradition is passed on through generations, kids must take part even from an early age.
Correfoc Effigies
The “devils” carry around effigies during the Correfoc, which often take the form of grotesque and fantastical creatures, such as dragons, demons, and other mythical beasts. These effigies are designed to shoot fireworks from various points, creating a dramatic and fiery spectacle as the devils dance and parade through the streets.
The Tabalada
The events almost always begin with the “tabalada,” a drumming performance that sets the pace and builds anticipation. As the drumming reaches a crescendo, the diables emerge, and the Correfoc begins. The drummers walk through the streets with the devils, creating the most rhythmic beats to match the bangs of the fireworks.
History
The origins of Correfoc can be traced back to medieval Catalonia. It evolved from the traditional “Ball de Diables” (Devil’s Dance), which depicted the eternal struggle between good and evil. Initially performed during religious and community celebrations, these performances involved characters representing devils, angels, and other mythological figures. Over time, the fire elements were incorporated, giving birth to the modern Correfoc. The Correfoc also serves as a symbolic representation of the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil.
When Does Correfoc Take Place?
La Mercè Festival
Correfocs, or “fire-runs,” typically take place in Barcelona during major festivals. The Barcelona La Mercè Festival is the city’s largest and most vibrant annual celebration, honouring the patron saint, Our Lady of Mercy (La Mercè). The festival spans several days around the end of September and transforms the city into a hub of cultural activities, parades, and performances. Streets and plazas come alive with traditional Catalan festivities, including the Castellers (human towers), sardana dances, and the iconic Correfoc, which is one of the highlights and usually takes place on one of the evenings during the festival.
Sant Joan Festival
The Sant Joan Festival, which is celebrated in late June, marks the summer solstice and is one of the most anticipated and vibrant events in Spain. Known as the “Night of Fire,” the festival is characterized by its exuberant atmosphere, with fireworks, bonfires, and parties taking center stage. Locals and visitors gather on the beaches, streets, and public squares to celebrate this ancient tradition. The evening is filled with fireworks and the sight of flames as people light bonfires and the Correfoc’s fireworks erupt throughout the town squares and beaches across Spain.
Festa Major de Gràcia
The Festival of Gràcia, known locally as Festa Major de Gràcia, is a vibrant and community-centred celebration held every August in the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona. This week-long festival transforms the area into a kaleidoscope of colours and creativity as residents compete to decorate their streets with elaborate and imaginative themes. Each street becomes a work of art adorned with handmade decorations crafted from recycled materials, creating a whimsical and immersive experience for visitors. The festival features live music, traditional dances, parades, and various cultural activities, including the Correfoc, which unusually takes place in the morning to allow families and younger children to participate and enjoy the spectacle. The morning light also highlights the vibrant decorations and costumes, making it a unique and inclusive experience for all festival-goers.
Safety and Participation
The Correfoc is a thrilling spectacle, and safety is an integral part of this experience. Participants and spectators are advised to wear protective clothing, including hats, long sleeves, closed-toe shoes and scarves, to shield themselves from sparks. I would also highly recommend that spectators bring a pair of earplugs as the repeated bangs are thunderous, and you’ll be thankful to have them with you. If smoke bothers you, I would also recommend bringing a face mask to help with that. The organizers take extensive precautions to ensure the safety of all involved, with well-coordinated emergency services on standby. This careful balance of excitement and safety allows everyone to enjoy the fiery display without undue risk.
As the city ignites with the flames and fireworks of the Correfoc, Barcelona‘s streets transform into a fiery wonderland that leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it. This electrifying event, with its costumed devils and dazzling pyrotechnics, offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Catalan culture. Whether you’re dancing through the sparks or marvelling from a safe distance, the Correfoc is an experience that captures the essence of Barcelona’s vibrant spirit. So, embrace the fire, join the revelry, and create memories that will burn brightly in your heart and mind, never to be forgotten. Here’s to the magic and mayhem of the Correfoc and the unforgettable stories it sparks!
Happy Travels, Adventurers
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