Mexico's Insanely Dangerous Festival of Fireworks

We might love our fireworks in the USA and Canada, but at least we send ours up in the air! In the town of Tultepec in Mexico, there is a festival dedicated to John of God, the patron saint of fireworks makers.

Every year, 100.000 people go to Tultepec, Mexico, to run and dance among the fireworks. Their National Pyrotechnic Festival is being held in honor of San Juan De Dios, the patron saint of fireworks. Isn’t that quaint?

Unlike our celebration that includes fireworks, the explosions are not in the sky. Hell no, they release them on the ground, among the festival goers. Needless to say, it both a very magical and extremely dangerous event to participate in.

Visitors compete in the event by building structures out of wood, reed, paper and fireworks. There are dozens of bull-shaped sculptures, loaded with fireworks and set off in the streets. Out of all the fireworks produced in Mexico, 50-80% are made in Tultepec.

Even though it is very dangerous, in contributes greatly to the local economy. Each year, the festival accumulates up to 800.000 US dollars. The firework making business provides many jobs for the locals, as they are crucial part in many celebrations and festivals in the country.