Video of Fiery Night in Barcelona: My Correfoc Experience at La Mercè 2024

A Night of Flames and Festivity: Reliving the Correfoc at La Mercè

Last night, Barcelona was set ablaze, and I was right there in the heart of it! The Correfoc, or Fire Run, took over Passeig de Gràcia as part of the La Mercè festival, and it was nothing short of breathtaking. The streets came alive with firecrackers, fireworks, and devilish figures running wild, filling the night with heat, smoke, and an undeniable energy.

It all started around 6 PM with the children's version of the Correfoc. Families lined the streets as little ones watched in awe. The spectacle was toned down for them—smaller fireworks and friendlier devils—but the excitement was palpable. The atmosphere was joyful and playful, a perfect warm-up for what was coming later.

By 8:30 PM, the real action began. The adult Correfoc kicked off, and suddenly the streets between Carrer del Rosselló and Carrer d'Aragó became an inferno. Costumed devils, wielding flaming pitchforks, charged through the crowd, unleashing a torrent of sparks and fire.

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and the sound of crackling fireworks. I could feel the heat of the flames even from a distance.

The experience was electrifying. Being surrounded by fire, seeing devils running through the streets, and hearing the boom of fireworks is something you can’t fully appreciate until you're there in person. It felt chaotic and thrilling all at once—pure, unfiltered Barcelona.

What makes the Correfoc so unforgettable is how it pushes you to embrace the madness. You feel the adrenaline as you stand just a few steps away from the flames, daring yourself to get a little closer. People around me were doing the same—some running alongside the devils, others dancing under the sparks, all with smiles on their faces.

Last night’s Correfoc was a perfect reminder of what makes La Mercè so special. It’s a celebration of the city’s fearless spirit, its love for tradition, and its ability to bring people together through unforgettable, larger-than-life moments. The Correfoc is a must-see if you ever find yourself in Barcelona during La Mercè. It’s more than just a show—an experience that burns itself into your memory.

Here is some RAW footage from last night shot with an iPhone, a full video will be posted on the Travel Essayist YouTube channel in the near future so keep an eye on it.