As part of Barcelona’s annual La Merce festival, the Correfoc or firerun is one of the most exciting events. Participant groups dress up as devils, albeit fireproofed devils, and parade through the streets letting off fireworks into the crowds. Fireworks spin on the top of pitchforks carried by the devils, spraying the crowds with showers of intense white sparks. Pounding drums accompany the groups add to the intense cacophony of fireworks.

If the seemingly health and saftey of this make you blanch, there is a childrens procession earlier where the fireworks don’t spray over the crowds.

The Correfoc is a typical event at Catalan festivals. La Merce is is the biggest of Barcelona’s festivals and celebration of Catalan culture in tribute to it’s patron saint, the Virgin of La Merce.