The grand finale of the Sant Sebastià festivities is not for the faint of heart. The city is on fire at the night of the Correfoc in Palma. First thing you spot are wild flames and clouds of smoke. Accompanied by deafening whistles, rhythmic drums and the cracking of fireworks. The unmistakable sound of the fire run is amplified by the reflections of the facades along the narrow streets.
Once again, a fierce crowd of demons and dragons roams old town. And you better take cover, if they come at you. Or be bold and dare to dance with the devils under the fire wheel.
Regulars wear a hoodie, their abrigo de correfoc, for that reason. And even spectators should go for cotton or wool and avoid synthetics. The showers of sparks are beautiful to watch but shouldn’t be underestimated.
All the while the batucadas propel the dragons with their drums. Creating the heart beat of the Drac de na Coca that in no time becomes the rhythm of the excited crowd lining the street. Palma’s famous dragon breathes fire, tonight. And isn’t shy to do a little dance on the plaça.
The Mallorcan dimonis are not actually evil but above all naughty. They love to give bystanders a good scare. And with all that noise and dance at the correfoc in Palma they drive away the spirits of winter. Now, everyone is happy about a bit more sunshine every day. And nature is also awakening, bearing the first harbingers of spring.
Read more about the Dimonis on Mallorca, here, and the Drac de na Coca, right here.