La Mercè Correfoc lights up the heart of Barcelona as thousands revel in sparks

Thousands gathered in Barcelona on Saturday night to celebrate La Mercè with the annual correfoc fire run through the city center.

By the time the show began at 8.30 pm, more than 80,000 people had already filled Passeig de Gràcia, waiting eagerly for nightfall.

The spectacle opened with the dramatic lighting of the Gates of Hell, as demons and fantastical beasts emerged to ignite the great entrance.

Once the gates burst open, dozens of 'colles' (troupes) poured out, showering the crowds in sparks and fire, driving revelers into ecstatic dances.

The fiery procession then moved from Passeig de Gràcia with Provença all the way down to Consell de Cent, transforming the avenue into a stage of chaos and celebration.

Thousands joined in the “dance of hell,” embracing the demons, leaping beneath the showers of sparks, and moving to the rhythm of drums and fire.

Those who preferred a safer distance lined the sidewalks of the iconic boulevard, but few escaped the playful demons who chased the crowd with fountains of fire.

Veteran participants came well-prepared, following safety recommendations with cotton clothing, protective glasses, and straw hats to withstand the fiery storm.