Barcelona fire festivals now have comprehensive safety guidelines following a 20% increase in pyrotechnic users over the past five years.
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The Department of Culture has launched new recommendations for using fireworks in traditional fire celebrations across Catalonia.
These guidelines arrive during significant growth in fire-related events, with over 1,000 authorised activities in Barcelona province alone during 2024. Furthermore, the sector now counts more than 650 registered entities and 71,000 trained participants.
Barcelona Fire Festival Safety Measures Expand
The new document provides detailed advice on acquiring and using pyrotechnic articles, managing explosive charges, and designing construction elements for celebrations. Additionally, it covers maintenance protocols, transportation safety, and handling failed fireworks.
Carol Duran, Director General of Popular Culture and Cultural Associationism, explained that the guidelines aim to integrate safety measures into various celebrations. “The document’s purpose involves having a guide with recommendations that can be integrated into different celebrations,” she detailed.
Meanwhile, technical expert Oriol Cendra emphasised the importance of addressing risk practices. “There’s a great amount of good practice and good work, but we’ve also been told there are some risk-related questions that need addressing in depth,” he added.
The recommendations specifically target common safety concerns, including avoiding using mouth fire to light cartridges, adapting pyrotechnic charges to routes, and ensuring sufficient distance when firing fountains in narrow streets. These measures reflect broader safety initiatives across Barcelona’s public events.
Authorities have also launched an updated “FOC – Fire Festival and Pyrotechnics” application for registering qualified fireworks users. The Catalan government’s initiative includes developing educational materials specifically for younger participants in devil and beast figure traditions.
Luis Terradas, Director of the Industry and Energy Area at the Government Delegation in Catalonia, described the guidelines as an evolving document. “We’re interested in it being an informative document, removed from something complex,” he noted, indicating future updates will incorporate practical experience.
The safety push comes as traditional fire celebrations continue gaining popularity, reflecting Barcelona’s rich cultural heritage while addressing modern safety requirements. Consequently, organisers now have clearer frameworks for maintaining tradition while protecting participants and spectators.
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