El Salvador residents celebrate the annual ‘Balls of Fire’ festival | Pics here

Every year on the last day of August, residents of Nejapa in Latin American country El Salvador participate in the ‘Balls of Fire’ festival. People gather to throw gas-soaked rag balls at each other and are not bound by any rules that also makes it a risky affair. “Las Bolas de Fuego”, as locals name it, is held to remember the fight between San Jeronimo (Saint Jerome) and the devil. The festival commemorates the 1658 disaster when San Salvador volcano destroyed Nejapa. The locals believe the lava from the volcano symbolises a battle between Saint Jeronimo and a devil and the fireball fight is held in his honour.

Published on: Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM IST

News

Share via

• 
• 
• 
• 

Copy link

• 

1/5

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM

Men participate in "Bolas de Fuego" (Balls of Fire) festival to remember the fight of Saint Geronimo against the devil with balls of fire, in Nejapa, El Salvador.  (REUTERS)

2/5

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM

Men throwing gas soaked fireballs at each other.  (REUTERS)

3/5

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM

Masked men wait to participate in the festival that dates back to 1922. (REUTERS)

4/5

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM

As per media reports, approximately 3,000 fireballs were used and more than 150 young people participated in the festival. (REUTERS)

5/5

View Photos in a new improved layout

Published on Sep 01, 2022 3:50 PM

All those participating are reportedly over 18 years of age because of safety concerns. Despite the risks involved, Salvadorians can be seen celebrating 100 years of the ‘fireball war' with much enthusiasm. (AFP)