Literally translated Correfoc means ‘fire run’.
Correfocs originate from a form of medieval street theatre in the Catalan and Valencian communities called ‘Ball de Diables’, representing the fight of good against evil. Spanish dictator Franco banned many aspects of Catalan and Valencian culture but after his death the streets were once again filled with fire and festivity.
Groups of devils, ‘colles de diables’ dance amongst the crowd accompanied by loud music from a marching band, waving sparklers, firecrackers, and roman candles, spitting fire into the crowd. This is a very regional Spanish tradition and due to its dangerous nature Correfocs are slowly dying out.
