Correfocs are Barcelona’s noisiest tradition – and ‘fire devil’ performers sacrifice their hearing to take part |
Every year on August 15, the Gràcia neighbourhood of Barcelona is awoken by a pyrotechnic procession of diables, or “fire devils”, running through its narrow streets, shortly followed by groups of drummers. As revellers dance to the rhythm of percussion and explosions, noise and smoke fill the neighbourhood, transforming its atmosphere and marking the beginning of the neighbourhood’s seven-day local festivities.
These annual events – known as correfocs – are an integral part of the neighbourhood’s fabric. But lifelong exposure to extreme noise takes a major toll on the performers’ health, in particular their hearing. So why do they keep showing up?
Fire has long shaped the rhythms of public life in Catalonia. Its presence can be traced back to before the 14th century and appears in one of the earliest written records of Barcelona’s civic rituals: the Book of Solemnities of 1424. Back then, fire was part of religious celebration. During events such as Corpus Christi, processions moved through the city streets, occasionally accompanied by early pyrotechnic effects or symbolic figures like fire-breathing beasts.
But what started as a ritual element has gradually taken on a life of its own. Over time, fire moved beyond the strictly religious sphere and became a defining feature of Catalonia’s popular culture. Today, it is not just part of the spectacle – it is the spectacle. Fire shapes how communities gather, celebrate and experience the city, embedding itself deeply in collective practices and shared imaginaries.
This is visible throughout the festive calendar, as public celebrations regularly feature large-scale fireworks displays that transform the city into a shared stage to mark local festivities and seasonal transitions. One of the most emblematic moments is the summer solstice on June 23, La Nit de Sant Joan or St John’s Night, when fire and fireworks light up streets,........