Correfoc!

Correfoc is a Catalan word for running with fire...or fire run...or hey, watch out those things are HOT! I'm not sure what it all is supposed to be about but it is an amazing amount of crazy fun! It is usually part of the local town's festa mejor's, the neighborhood's big fiesta's that commemorate a Saint's feast day. This particular festival was for La Merce, which is to celebrate the Mercy of Mary when she spared the city from plagues and I believe locusts. The end of the festival is generally when the Correfoc's are held. There is a children friendly version held earlier in the evening for the kids, but we saw children out at the night time one as well. They must be hearty parents though because I surely couldn't have done it. A few blocks down on Via Laetana, right next to the Barcelona Cathedral the street was blocked off for the Gates of Hell, (pictures above).

My friend Julie had been here last year so she was the perfect guide to tell us what to do, where to stand and generally keep us safe. She even lent me a head cover since I forgot one. It's important to cover up so you don't get singed by the sparks as they pass by.

The Devil first comes out to the beat of drums to open up the gates

and then the Colls come down the street, with their monsters and demons. Colls are what the goups are called. Each Coll has monsters that are made of some type of plaster that have fireworks attached that get sprayed out into the crowd. And they each have their own set of drummers.

The upload of these pictures was wonky. This is after the gates opened and before the first group came out. Below is one of the banners of the Coll.

The devils and demons held their pitchforks with sparklers on it that would whirl around and get everyone. The brave would go up and dance close to the devil . If you got close enough you wouldn't get hit by the sparks.

The drummers....I loved them

I got tons more pictures, most of the good ones are up on facebook. Not sure what is up with the photo upload today. But, this is a good representation. We had a blast as Coll after Coll came down. It was great about a half hour into it when the crowd seemed to thin and we could really get a good look at what was happening. Nick jumped in and got up close and personal with the demons...and has the burns on his clothes to prove it. Note to self, they aren't kidding about the flame retardant clothing. Next year we're taking the kids to see it. It should be twice as much fun experiencing it all over with them.