According to local legends, the eruption was a fight between their patron saint, San Jeronimo, and the devil, where the latter threw fireballs to distract the former.
This unique festival is held every year on August 31 to commemorate a volcanic eruption that took place in the region in 1658. It had forced people to abandon the town. According to local legends, the eruption was a fight between their patron saint, San Jeronimo, and the devil, where the latter threw fireballs to distract the former. This dangerous, yet thrilling display of culture is an important event in Nejapa, and one of the most unique festivals around the world. Worry not, a team of medical professionals and law enforcement officers closely observe the event to prevent it from getting out of hand. This year, the festival had around 150 participants and lasted for about two hours, with a grand total of about 3,000 fireballs thrown.