La Mercè 2016: Correfoc

Though the creatures you'll see have a very long tradition, the 'correfoc' (fire run) itself was born in 1979 and started out as an exhibition of fantastical beasts that featured the participation of Catalan groups that were mostly from outside of Barcelona. The show, with roots in traditions such as the dance of the devils that dates back to the 14th century, was reborn with the name correfoc and became an immediate success that has since come to define the Mercè festival. The 'tabalada' drum parade leads the correfoc from Plaça de Antoni Maura, along Via Laietana and to Plaça de Antonio López.