{"id":182952,"date":"2025-01-26T21:50:46","date_gmt":"2025-01-26T20:50:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/correfoc-palma\/"},"modified":"2026-01-08T21:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-08T20:19:37","slug":"correfoc-palma","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thehappyjetlagger.com\/en\/correfoc-palma\/","title":{"rendered":"Correfoc in Palma: All about the great fire spectacle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’ve ever experienced Palma in summer, you won’t recognize the capital of Mallorca<\/a>, especially in January<\/strong>. There are no more crowds of people streaming through the alleyways of the old town, some stores are even completely closed and in general you are more likely to meet locals than tourists. But January still has a lot to offer – such as the exciting Correfoc<\/strong>!<\/p>\n\n

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The Correfoc also moves along the Passeig del Born, which is still lit up for Christmas. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

What is Correfoc? <\/h2>\n\n

Correfoc can be translated as “fire walk<\/strong>“: Several traditional groups parade through the city with flaming torches and fireworks<\/strong> of all kinds, dressed up as devil-like “Dimonis<\/strong>” and are accompanied by loud drums. The Correfoc is a Catalan tradition<\/strong> that has been practiced for centuries. Although Mallorca forms its own province with the other Balearic islands of Ibiza, Menorca and Formentera, it shares similar roots with Catalonia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n

\"Demon<\/figure>\n\n

The Correfoc is also an integral part of the island’s cultural life. In summer, these parades are held for various events, but the biggest is the Correfoc as part of the Sant Sebasti\u00e1n<\/strong> festivities. <\/p>\n\n

Sant Sebasti\u00e1n is the patron saint of the city<\/strong> and many big events take place in Palma around his anniversary in January, which are mainly attended by locals. So if you want to immerse yourself in Mallorcan culture<\/strong>, January is an excellent month for a trip to Palma. <\/p>\n\n

\"Fireworks<\/figure>\n\n

Correfoc & the background<\/h2>\n\n

Originally, the Correfocs had a largely religious background<\/strong>: the Dimonis symbolize evil<\/strong> and need to be driven away with fire and loud drumming. Over the centuries, the Correfocs have developed into an integral part of Catalan culture. Today they have more of an entertaining folk festival character<\/strong>, even if they initially seem very frightening. For the big Correfoc in January, for example, a large stage is set up on the Passeig del Born where local acts perform. <\/p>\n\n

\"Musicians<\/figure>\n\n

The mood among the Dimonis<\/h2>\n\n

The fireworks<\/strong>, the loud drums<\/strong> and the disguised Dimonis<\/strong> are very impressive. Similar to the Alemannic carnival in southern Germany<\/strong>, the parade is rather sombre in nature. However, the audience is still involved and despite the intimidating backdrop, the atmosphere is cheerful and relaxed. <\/p>\n\n

\"People<\/figure>\n\n
\"Silhouette<\/figure>\n\n

Participate in the Correfoc<\/h2>\n\n

The Dimonis also sometimes parade through the crowds<\/strong>, are willing to be photographed<\/strong> and enjoy joking<\/strong> with the spectators. Young people in particular enjoy mingling with the dancing Dimonis <\/strong>and their fire-breathing torches. Participation is officially allowed and part of the spectacle. <\/p>\n\n

\"Demonic<\/figure>\n\n
\"Fireworks<\/figure>\n\n

Even as a mere spectator, you can get very close to the fireworks; sometimes even unintentionally if a Dimonis suddenly stands next to you and lights his pyrotechnics. As a rule, however, people are very considerate of each other and no one is deliberately bothered by fireworks. <\/p>\n\n

\"Person<\/figure>\n\n
\"Fireworks<\/figure>\n\n

Safety measures: What you need to be aware of when attending a Correfoc<\/h2>\n\n

Nevertheless, you should be especially prepared when you go to a Correfoc and keep the following important things in mind: <\/p>\n\n