If you have never seen or experienced a Correfoc (fire run), neither my photo (above) nor the video clip (below) will give you more than a hint of this unique adventure. Words can not describe the utter lunacy and frightening force of the experience. Let me just say this much: if ever you have a chance to witness a Mallorcan correfoc, do not hesitate, go and see the event for yourself. If the health and safety people from Brussels will have their say, the correfoc days may be numbered any time soon.

A correfoc is not a fireworks display. Instead, firecrackers, flames and rockets explode around the public, below one’s feet, above one’s heads and at close range around one’s body. The noise is ear shattering, the sparks and explosions are everywhere and at close range. The event is (at least, was last night in Felanitx) accompanied by fast and rhythmic drum beats, and the people attending are frenetic in their dance movements. Sheer and utter madness, insane craziness, daemonic otherworldliness. Fantastic. Vibrant. Scary. Unique. Good.

The photo was taken in Felanitx, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: August 28th, 2010. The time was 22:15:37. The video was borrowed from the Internet, thanks to YouTube and cafater81.

Moltes gràcies.