Bolas de Fuego : Why do the people hurl fire balls during this festival?
You might have heard of all sorts of crazy festivals, but have you heard of one where people actually throw fire at each other? Bolas de Fuego is one such weird festival of Latin America. Residents start preparing for Bolas de Fuego every year in May by rolling rags into balls and soaking them in gasoline.
The residents of the small town of Nejapa in the Latin American country of El Salvador celebrate Bolas de Fuego as their annual festival, literally meaning ‘balls of fire’. The festival takes place on the on 31st August every year. This strange local custom entails 2 teams painting their faces to look like skulls, soaking their clothes and a pair of gardening gloves in water, and taking to the streets. People gather in an ‘uncontrolled battleground’ to see this close-quarter combat from the side lines and occasionally, become caught in the crossfire themselves. Let’s tell you why these locals literally play with fire!
Origin of the festival
Bolas de Fuego was organised for the first time in 1922. This festival honours a significant volcanic eruption in 1658 that forced residents to abandon the small town, which is located about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of San Salvador. While clearing out, the residents saw giant balls of fire hurtling out of the volcano. As a tribute to this phenomenon, there came to be celebrated the Bolas de Fuego festival.
Good vs Evil
Citizens of EL Salvador believed that it was a battle between the local patron saint ‘San Jeronimo’ and the Devil that caused the fireballs to be hurtled at them from the volcano. As a tribute to this divine clash between good and evil, Nejapa is transformed into a battleground during the Bolas de Fuego.
Two groups of young men form one good and one evil team, ignite balls of fabric with kerosene, toss them at one another at a close range, and are supported by audiences on both sides. Every year, this festival brings lots of tourists from around the world to witness the fireball combat. Not everyone from the city participates. It’s mostly the young men who take part in this fire fight. The battle lasts for almost 2 hours, and in the end, there are no winners: Just the that good triumphs over evil.
Is this festival dangerous?
A fleet of police cars and emergency medical services are on standby during the festival in case chaos breaks out. The Fireball Festival is a subject of both celebration and criticism since there are no clear regulations or laws to follow. Participants claim that regardless of how risky this event is, they are passionate about it and delighted to participate every year.
‘Bolas de Fuego’ is a major festival, where one can anticipate a sizable crowd. There are live bands performing, people are dancing in the streets, and there is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy Salvadoran cuisine. But as this festival is played with fire balls, it is advised not to become too involved in the activity since this could be dangerous.