La Mercè 2017: Correfoc

Though the beasts who participate in this 'fire run' have a long tradition in local festivals, the correfoc itself was born in 1979 and started out as a Show of Fantastical Beasts that Catalan groups from outside of Barcelona mainly participated in. The show, with roots in traditions such as the dance of the devils that dates back to the 14th century, was rechristened with the name 'correfoc' and became an immediate success that has since defined the Mercè festival. The fire gets underway with the boom of the drummers who won this year's percussion contest, the 'els tabalers del Pollo del Prat', and continues with the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the fire groups in Barcelona with the Diables del Clot, who commemorate their own anniversary (8.15pm). Afterwards, at 8.30pm, it's time for the lighting of the instruments that the devils and beasts carry, such as the 'ceptrots', pitchforks and banners, the Gate of Hell will also be lit, and so the correfoc begins.