Correfoc Gran Fira De Valencia - Pictures And Video
What a special evening this was! It was the perfect evening to enjoy a correfoc, which is a fireworks parade, and one of Valencia's most unique events. There was already a special atmosphere among the crowd, because it was also the night of the ultra-rare lunar eclipse that was crossing over Europe. In fact, it was hard to to split our attention between the correfoc and the eclipse; too much was going on at the same time. I tried to photograph the astrological event, but my zoom was way to weak to capture anything impressive.
We've witnessed a couple of correfocs in the past, during Fallas, and it's always been a highlight of the festivities. But this one, held as the last pyrotechnic event of the Gran Fira de Valencia, so was much better.
Usually, everything is blocked off, because of the large Fallas crowds, so you couldn't walk along with the fire devils. But this time, nothing was under control. The onlookers were part of the parade (which is how it should be), and you could get right up close to the demons, devils and dragons, while fireworks were exploding behind and above you. The craziness took us by surprise, because we otherwise would have worn old, disposable clothes. The shirt I wore to this event looks like Swiss cheese, with burn holes everywhere. Plus, it would have helped to wear protective glasses and a hat, as well.
Still, nothing was holding me back from getting my footage, so I went all in. When I got back home, I surveyed the damage: three pretty bad skin burns. But it was worth it.
The correfoc has its roots in the 12th century Devils Ball. The exact story is murky, but it's said that theater groups would march down the streets dressed as devils and lighting up fireworks. This tradition is very much still alive in Catalonia and in the Valencian Community. The correfoc always contains symbolic figures of the devil, dragons and other kind of monsters and people will jump and dance in the street surrounding themselves with these spraying fireworks.
Something you definitely don't see every day, which I think is the whole purpose. It was fun to be around Valencians enjoying the summer night but also seeing visitors who just ran into the parade letting loose and having a blast.
The fire parade started at the Calle de las Barcas, then went up to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, and ended in front of the Estacion del Norte, the main train station. And there is no event in Valencia which doesn't start or end with a massive firework. I knew this in advance, so managed to get right behind the set-up. This is how I like to experience my fireworks and it was exhilarating, watching these amazing fireworks with the lunar eclipse on the horizon. Something you don't get to see everyday.
The closing event of the Gran Fira de Valencia is the Batalla de Flores, which I will post about shortly.
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Posted from my blog with SteemPress : http://for91days.com/blog/2018/08/06/correfoc-gran-fira-de-valencia-pictures-and-video/
Holy crap your footage is totally worth it and it does really seems like a gigantic happening, but uhh....how many people end up in the hospital after this? (a lot right?)
Does seem like tons of fun though....did you ever see the eclips with al that light there?
Yes, the eclipse was very much visible but it was hard to capture with the lenses I had with me.
And no, I think nobody ended up in the hospital BUT there is an event coming up in 3 weeks, this one is going to ... em... intense!
What is name of the festival ?
This particular fire parade is called Correfoc and was part of the Gran Fira der Valencia.
Amazing photos of this unusual event.
Thank you, you should come for a visit and take in the smell of burned skin and hair :)
I believe you it was worth it but better to have no skin burn . People should call Valencia also the city of fireworks :) :)
They do! The pyrotechnics from Valencia are constantly traveling the world to set up fireworks.
It sounds interesting they keep learning and innovate their job . I can't imagine being on the road close to that fireworks
I love .. I'm addicted to fireworks :)
I am not exactly addicted but I definitely like them.
Wow, this is incredible! What an amazing tradition of Valencia!
If Steemfest will be ever held here, I'm going to personally cook a giant Paella and organize one of those! Thank you for your support!
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What a crazy looking festival and great pics! It's great that there were no barriers and you were free to move around. There are so many events where you just can't get the views that you want.
I understand safety is important but being a bit risky for better pictures? I take that :) Thank you for stopping by.
Is this the same festival from the other month what went on forever? It's so insane that you can get so close!!
It's a different event but they had something like this during Fallas as well :)
Beautiful photographers I think it was something very special to see. Thank you for sharing this wonderful experience.
And thank you for stopping by! :)
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Thank you!!!