Tonight is one of the biggest fiestas on the long list of celebrations in Jávea. Nit De Focs or Correfocs is gonna set the streets of Jávea on fire and see its residents chased down narrow alleyways with fireworks!
This is one of those events you can head up to Javea old town to watch, simply to enjoy the uncompromising madness. Though, if you want one of the most unique experiences of your life to spice up your holiday in Spain – participate in the Nit De Focs Xabia instead, you might regret it but you will never forget it!
Jumping Bonfires In The Street
Burning fires (and sometimes witches) is a known tradition in Northern Europe at midsummer. However, the Spanish have a rather more action based approach to the concept with the Crema Dels Focs De Sant Joan parade, or fire jumping in plain words.
The night of Correcs in Javea starts out with fire jumping. Big live fires are lit in the streets of the historic center. A parade of all the citizens roam through the streets to catch the good luck and safety from spirits that jumping over the fires provide. Be careful, if you are in fact a demon, word is the fire will expose you and set you ablaze! Of course, that might happen anyway – bring your best jumping shoes!
Is it stunt men, actors or acrobats jumping? No! Its everyone in town, old and young. You will see pensioners, young parents with kids on their arms and quite young children jumping the live bonfires in the street. Trick is: If you want to show bravery and take the challenge head on, stay up front of the parade. The fires start out tall, boisterous and scary. If you prefer a more symbolic jump over a relatively small fire, stay towards the middle of the procession – the very back wont get to the fires till they’ve started smoking madly.
Dancing With Bonfires – De Trastos Valls
The fire jumping parade ends in a square where a huge bonfire is lit in the street (this part of the celebrations is called Crema De La Foguera De Trastos Valls).
The relatively small square basically has a huge bonfire in the middle and everyone gathers around it to sing and dance. Those closest to the huge fire, people and houses, gets hosed down by the local fire brigade to avoid catching fire.
Once the flames of the bonfire starts dying down, the dancing round the fire slowly stops and the anticipation for the grand finale starts to build up. The complete and utter madness about to start for real.
Correfocs – Chased With Live Fireworks By Demons
The highlight of the nit de focs, Correfocs of Javea, starts right where the bonfire ends. The demons come out dressed in white hoods, much like Ku Klux Klan outfits. They start lighting fireworks and the craziness begins!
The crowds heads on the parade back up towards the Javea main square, plaza de la constitucion, but this time they will be chased with live fireworks by demons coming out from everywhere. It is an inferno of fireworks shot directly at everyone, exploding from wired cables above, rammed through the crowds attached to pretend bulls on wheels … it is udder madness!
Are the fireworks for real? Yes! Do they hurt and burn? Yes! But? I know, it goes against any health and safety precautions you may have ever learned, but such is the nature of Spanish fiestas. It is an experience, it isnt as such safe in any way but you have a fair chance of surviving with just minor burns! On the upside, its an adrenaline kick beyond believe and just such an amazingly outrageous experience that no words really cover it.
Go On The Parade – Correcfocs in Javea
Dare to give Correfocs in Javea a go? Wear some old clothes you are not precious about, they will get burned and covered in little holes. Wear a hat or cab. Consider a bandanna or similar to cover your face. And then … Go for it with all your crazy heart!
The fire jumping starts at around midnight Portal Del Clot – but heading up to Javea old town well in advance to soak in the atmosphere, get in the mood and find your place in the parade is highly recommended. The correfocs part follows the fire jumping and dancing round giant bonfires, whenever those things end. The official start of Correfocs is 2am (from Raval Del Baix), but that is never gonna be a precise time and if you fancy joining the Javea fiesta, go for the complete package!
Nit De Focs in Jávea is as far from a package deal tourist event as its possible to get. Attending and participating will be welcomed with open arms, hugs and fireworks in your face. Do not expect any special treatment. This is a genuine Spanish fiesta – not an event happening mainly to entertain tourists. Take part if you dare and get an experience for life!
Night of Correfocs - Jávea On Fire,
