Las Bolas De Fuego (Balls of Fire Festival)

The Balls of Fire Festival, also known as Las Bolas del Fuego, is a traditional Nejapa festival. Nejapa is a small town located to the north of San Salvador. Every year in late August, usually on August 31st, this festival takes place.

This festival, which began ninety years ago, commemorates the eruption of the nearby Volcán El Playan in 1922. The eruption of the volcano destroyed Nejapa. According to Nejapa legend, when this historic eruption occurred, causing lava to rain on the land, San Jeronimo, Nejapa's patron saint, fought back just enough for locals to evacuate the area.

This festival's main attraction is fire throwing. It's similar to snowball fights with fireballs. Young men throw flaming kerosene-soaked rag and wire balls at each other and the audience. The young men dress in costumes that include thick clothes with skeleton painting and gardening gloves. To avoid getting burned, the costumes are soaked in water. During the fire throwing, their faces are covered with war paint or masks. According to legend, San Jeronimo fought and defeated the devil with fire balls emitted by the volcano following the eruption. So, in imitation of the fight between San Jeronimo and the demon, young men divide themselves into good and evil groups. There is no winner or loser in this fight. In some cases, spectators are permitted to hold Fireballs. Tourists have described it as an up-close look at an organized riot. People dance around bonfires on the streets until dawn at the conclusion of the fire throwing event. This festival is for you if you enjoy colorful displays, bonfires, and adventure. Unlike other festivals, this one lasts only one day, but the experience is unforgettable.

Address: Nejapa, El Salvador

Takes place: August 31