Barcelona Devils defied torrential rain to celebrate their 47th anniversary in the Clot neighbourhood this weekend.
The Diables del Clot, recognised as Barcelona’s oldest devil group, brought their traditional correfoc to the streets despite challenging weather conditions that threatened to cancel the event.
Barcelona Devils Maintain Historic Tradition
The fire and gunpowder spectacle began at approximately 10pm from Plaza Can Robacols, with hundreds of local residents braving the elements to witness the display.
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Furthermore, the procession travelled through Ripollès Street, Muntanya Street, and several other neighbourhood thoroughfares before concluding at Mercat Street. Consequently, sparks flew as participants ran toward spectators with their ignited fire sticks, creating the traditional dance-under-the-sparks experience that has defined this event for nearly five decades.
Meanwhile, the Tabalers del Clot provided the rhythmic accompaniment with their diverse drum collection, creating the distinctive batucada that encourages both devil dancers and brave spectators to dance beneath the fiery shower. This year’s celebration held particular significance as it demonstrated the community’s commitment to preserving cultural traditions regardless of weather challenges.
The Diables del Clot originated in 1977 during the neighbourhood’s first major popular festival, established to recover traditional Catalan culture following forty years of dictatorship. According to recent cultural celebrations, these traditions remain vital to Barcelona’s identity. Initially hosted by the Sant Martí Hiking Centre, the group joined the Orfeó Martinenc cultural section in 1980, where they maintain their headquarters today alongside the neighbourhood’s Giants and Big-Heads at La Margui location.
Additionally, this year’s successful event demonstrates the resilience of Barcelona’s cultural fabric. The determination to proceed with the correfoc despite adverse conditions reflects the deep community commitment to these traditions. Therefore, the Diables del Clot continue to write their history, now approaching their golden anniversary with the same passion that ignited their first procession nearly fifty years ago.
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