In Palma de Mallorca the San Juan celebrations this year were in their usual location of Parc de Mar in front of Palma Cathedral.
Starting with folk music and dancing at 9pm, at 10.30 the entertainment moved on to the Correfoc and fireworks which were the centrepiece of the evening. Following this there was more music continuing through to the early hours.
Correfoc the fire runners
The word Correfoc comes from Correr to run, and foc, which is fire in Catalan. Correfocs are spectacular events whereby fire devils run through the streets and interact with the crowds whilst playing with fire staffs and various fireworks.
The devils are playful sprites rather than evil spirits they taunt the crowd in a playful fashion, usually to the hypnotic sound of drums and demonic chanting. Whilst the Correfoc looks decidedly dangerous and it is best to be reasonably cautious while watching or taking part there are generally few accidents and injuries are slight!
However i would just like to add that this festival is the most intense and full on crazy thing i have ever seen..... one hour of total chaos but such good fun...lol