Correfoc or “La Dansa de Diables”, Catalan Folklore at its best

Today I will explain you a bit more about Catalan Folklore, in special, about the Correfoc.

So, as I have told you a few times before, I was born and raised in Barcelona. In my opinion, the best city in the world… If you were asking. Even though I fly back a couple of times per year, this one has been a bit a bit weird and I have found myself in Barcelona quite often. There may have been a couple of babies involved. Not mines, but two I love quite a lot.

Anyways, the last time I was there, I managed to enjoy the beautiful Festes de la Mercè. These are usually three to five days in September in which the whole city celebrates one of the cities patronesses: La Mercè. Even though she is a Saint, there is nothing religious about it. We just have dozens of free concerts around the city and there are art shows everywhere. Also, many parks, palaces and museums open their doors for free. In general, it is an amazing time to visit Barcelona.

In any case, like I have explained to you years before, we Catalans have some “special” traditions. From pooping guys for Christmas, and magic kings to dancing demons. And about the later is what I want to talk to you about: the Devils Dance or Correfoc.

What is the origin of the Correfoc or “Ball de Diables”

It is said that this tradition started in in the 10th century. It was supposed to be a representation of the devil fighting angels. But that was back then. Over the years, the whole thing evolved and the “angels” part got lost. When the streets of Barcelona became a place where people would gather and celebrate, the Devils Dance turned into a way of losing your inhibitions and have fun. It was fire, percussion and fun! And running fire, which is the literal translation of Correfoc!

Today, we still have all the original ingredients but there’s gun powder and fireworks involved. As well as a more theatrical vision of it. Even if it is not really dangerous, you can get slightly burn easily. Nowadays, in order to small this small inconvenience, most people will be dressed in a big red hoodie and thick red pants.

Yes, sure, but WHAT is the Correfoc??

I bet you have seen fireworks before. The flashy ones that lighten up the sky with sparkly colors and dashing explosions. Well, imagine you were to see them from a few centimeters away. Now you are getting an idea on what this festival is about. Imagine a band of people carrying a bunch of drums. Dancing and moving around. Creating this flow that makes your feet unable to stay still. At the same time, there are daredevils running to you. Trying to scare you and very often succeeding. While they dance and jump around throwing sparks everywhere in a show of happiness and fire. And that is the exact definition of a Correfoc!

It is a thrilling feeling of joy and excitement. Even if I use a full dictionary, I will not be able to describe what is like to be there. But I can show you some videos and pictures so you get an idea of how amazing Correfocs are…

But is it dangerous?

Well… kinda. You know, when there’s fire and people running around with it, there’s always some danger. You can get slightly burn. But not in a “that’s going to leave a mark” way. More in the lines of aaaaahhh for a second, and the next one is ok. We have been doing this for centuries and it is still not forbidden nor we have gone extinct!

Anyway, there are a few things you can take into account before participating in a correfoc:

First, wear closed shoes. Even though these sparks are general not painful, one of them got between my sandal and my foot last time… and I felt it.

Second, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from any crazy spark pointing to your eyeballs.

Third, make sure you are wearing clothes you don’t mind they get a few new holes. Fourth (this list is about to finish, promise), wear thick clothes. Let’s say a big hoodie and some thick jeans. Yes, I know most of these things happen during the summer but you will thank me.

And last and pretty important… do not dress in flammable clothes. I know that people do not usually think about these while getting dressed, but I am talking about cotton and many other cloth types (many synthetic ones) that can light up with a tiny spark.

I hope I have convinced you to join this amazing example of Catalan Folklore and that I did not scare you! Pin this post if you liked it!