Correfoc

Correfoc, or ‘fire-run’, is a performance where people dress as devils and monsters that arm themselves with pitchforks and they set of fireworks in the crowds. These runs began in Catalunya in the 1980s and are believed to have begun as an interaction between spectators and participants in the traditional Ball de Diables, a theatrical performance where performers recreate the duel between Good and Evil. I had the chance to attend the Correfoc this year and while I didn’t know exactly what was going on and why, it was an incredible time. From seeing the devils and their pitchforks shooting off fireworks/fire to seeing the giant, animals and monsters that the participants had that shot off fire it was truly an experience that I’d never expected. In the moment, it was quite scary since I didn’t understand the background of it. It almost felt like I was a devil worshiping revival type of thing. Now that I understand the meaning of it being Good vs Evil, I feel like I’m able to truly appreciate it more. I think it’s an experience that everyone should see atleast once in their life. And they should be sure that they have some type of hood and their body’s covered, one of my friend’s hair actually caught on fire.