Nejapa celebrates 104 years of the Bolas de Fuego tradition

The district of Nejapa in San Salvador Oeste celebrated the 104th anniversary of the ‘Bolas de Fuego’ (Fireballs) festival on August 31. Known as ‘La Recuerda’, the tradition involves participants called ‘boleros’ who throw flaming spheres made of cloth, wire, and fuel at one another.

The event holds deep historical and religious significance, commemorating the 1658 eruption of the San Salvador volcano that forced the original inhabitants to relocate. It also serves as a religious reenactment of the patron saint, San Jerónimo, defending himself against the devil.

Thousands of locals and tourists attended the high-adrenaline event. To manage safety risks, authorities including the National Civil Police, Firefighters, and Civil Protection deployed security measures, including alcohol testing for participants and medical assistance for those injured by the flames.