honorable mention
Andres Granollers spainPhoto © Andres Granollers
title
The Correfoc
Evolved from a medieval practice known as Ball de Diables, the correfoc is a popular performance in which Good and Evil come head to head in a spectacular way – which isn’t without its risks for bystanders.
The correfoc, literally meaning ‘fire-run,’ is a type of open-air performance during which people dressed as devils and other monstrous creatures arm themselves with pitchforks and set off fireworks in the crowd. If it sounds like a health and safety nightmare, it’s usually relatively safe, as those who come to watch the correfoc usually come prepared with clothing to protect themselves from any potential burns. And they need all the protection they can get as those participating in the correfoc are expected to get as close as possible to the evil creatures and ‘run with the fire.’
The correfoc comes in all shapes and sizes, and each town may have its own customs and traditions with regard to how the correfoc is carried out.
In the years following the death of General Franco, Catalunya underwent a period of cultural revival during which it consolidated much of its traditional and folklore heritage. It was around then that the correfoc as it is known now established itself as a popular feature in many public celebrations, especially in summer, when all the towns of Catalonia celebrate their popular festivals to welcome the summer.
I am interested in photography to tell the stories of people’s lives.
I’m passionate about discovering the wonderful characters in those stories.
I’m a self-taught photographer since 2015.
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entry description
The correfoc is synonymous with summer, exorcization and popular catharsis.Evolved from a medieval practice known as Ball de Diables, the correfoc is a popular performance in which Good and Evil come head to head in a spectacular way – which isn’t without its risks for bystanders.
The correfoc, literally meaning ‘fire-run,’ is a type of open-air performance during which people dressed as devils and other monstrous creatures arm themselves with pitchforks and set off fireworks in the crowd. If it sounds like a health and safety nightmare, it’s usually relatively safe, as those who come to watch the correfoc usually come prepared with clothing to protect themselves from any potential burns. And they need all the protection they can get as those participating in the correfoc are expected to get as close as possible to the evil creatures and ‘run with the fire.’
The correfoc comes in all shapes and sizes, and each town may have its own customs and traditions with regard to how the correfoc is carried out.
In the years following the death of General Franco, Catalunya underwent a period of cultural revival during which it consolidated much of its traditional and folklore heritage. It was around then that the correfoc as it is known now established itself as a popular feature in many public celebrations, especially in summer, when all the towns of Catalonia celebrate their popular festivals to welcome the summer.
about the photographer
I was born in Rosario, Argentina in 1969 but I live in Barcelona, Spain since 2000.I am interested in photography to tell the stories of people’s lives.
I’m passionate about discovering the wonderful characters in those stories.
I’m a self-taught photographer since 2015.
back to gallery