Fireworks in Peru: On Castles and Crazy Bulls
In Peru, big community fiestas celebrating patron saints usually involve castillones, tall pyrotechnic towers. Fireworks and sparks shoot out from these castillos (castles) in a series of spectacular shows as Peruvians often celebrate right underneath the extravaganza. I still have a tiny scar from a projectile firework that landed on my upper back as I danced under the castillon during my very first few days in Peru, celebrating the patron saint, Santiago, for Peru’s Fiestas Patrias (Independence Day).
The toro loco (crazy bull) is a variation of the pyrotechnic tradition. A person holds up or carries a bull-shaped structure on his head and runs around through the crowd as sparks and sometimes more propeller fireworks fly out from the “bull.”
There’s a reason the use of fireworks by the public is banned in various places around the world, including Davao City (where I was born in the Philippines), Ireland, Chile and Malaysia.
Get a feel for the grandness of these types of celebrations with castillones and toros locos in the following video.
What kinds of positive or negative memories do you have with fireworks? Are celebration and tradition worth the danger of fireworks?
Tags: castillones huancayo, culture, dancing, fiestas patrias, fireworks peru, illegal fireworks, party, patron saints days, peru fiestas, pyrotechnics, toro loco
Wist
That looks like something fun to see ^ ^ I would definitely be in the back of the crowd though hiding from all those sparks lol.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! That's exactly what I learned after the first time I got burnt, SJ! =) I now stay far, far away and take video clips from a distance. =) Hehe!
Amanda
Although it looks kinda fun…it also looks way too dangerous! Fireworks should probably be relegated to the "use with extreme caution" list…but hey, who am I to say what's safe and what's not? :p
Samantha Bangayan
That's a great way to put it, Amanda! =) Although messages like that can actually work to our disadvantage by attracting the rebellious ones, I imagine. =P
RAAckerman, PhD, EA
I should have my son write this response…
As a child, we had fireworks in a field/forest behind our houses. It was splendiferous. (The perpetrators were all volunteer fireman- at least, one could assume they knew what they were doing.)
When I lived in Charlottesville, the Jaycees (of which I was an officer) provided fireworks at a local park. The colors were glorious- but the sounds scared the crap out of my daughter (only 1 then).
When we moved to Alexandria, we had the police yell at us for letting our (then 4) children play with sparklers. Everything (except for politics) is illegal in Alexandria.
Very shortly thereafter, my son was born on 4 July. The next fireworks I remember is when he was 2 and we were in Paris for Bastille Day. He watched and remarked… "Daddy, don't dey know that my burfday was last week???"
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Samantha Bangayan
Aww… I love reading about your experiences, Roy! The first two sounded so homey and catered toward families. =) How opposite it was in Alexandria!
HAHA!! What an adorable story about your son!! =) I'll always remember that story with a smile. =) Thank you so much for sharing it, Roy! =)
@oneshoeshy
Toro loco – that pretty much sums it up. And anyone celebrating I'd call loco diablo.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! =) You sure do have a way with words, even in Spanish, Thom! =) Hugs!
Meghan
I hadn't yet heard about the toro loco tradition, but I have noticed that Peruvians love fireworks for most every celebration, especially New Year's. I didn't grow up having fireworks, so in general they make me really nervous, but I was especially nervous during New Year's when fireworks where being set off all throughout Lima. There's just something about putting pyrotechnics in a crowded city that spells trouble for me!
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Samantha Bangayan
That's totally my experience too, Meghan! My family bought tons of fireworks for New Years and set them off in the streets as I hid behind the door. =P Thanks so much for sharing your experience! =)
Carolyn
Hi Samantha, This is a pet peeve of mine. Our family attended a village celebration when we lived in England and fireworks were a big part of the festivities. The problem was the fireworks exploded way too low and the burning embers rained down on the crowd. The ground was wet and muddy so there was no danger of a wildfire, but I was shocked that no one's clothes caught on fire. I was also worried about my kids looking up at the fireworks.
I agree with other commenters that fireworks should be more tightly regulated and left to the professionals!
Thanks for another fantastic post!
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Samantha Bangayan
Omigoodness! That's exactly what happens here, Carolyn! It must have been a "burning ember" that caused the scar on my back. Thanks so much for sharing your experience, Carolyn! When no one gets hurt, it becomes a nice memory. =)
Carolyn Holcomb
I love a good fireworks show! This weekend there will be one on the fort near where I live. We usually attend. It is put on by the military and there are plenty of safety features built into the show. Another good blog! Thanks, Carolyn H.
Samantha Bangayan
Yay! Those are the best, Carolyn! When there are no safety concerns at all. =) I so hope you enjoyed the show! =)
Janette Fuller
That video is very graphic ~ I don’t think I would want a toro loco on my head!
This year fireworks have been banned because of the severe drought in SE Texas. There will be no fireworks stands and very few public fireworks displays. The fire hazard if just too great.
I think the city of Houston is still planning to do their huge fireworks display but most of the surrounding suburbs and towns have cancelled.
Samantha Bangayan
I know what you mean, Janette! I can't imagine the people underneath those toros!
Wow! I completely forgot about potential environmental concerns as well. A potential widespread fire certainly sounds much more dangerous than individual burns. Very good point!
Holly Jahangiri
Janette, I live just outside the city limits, where use of fireworks by the public is permitted. Scares me every July 4 and ever New Year's Eve. This year was particularly scary, given the burn ban and the likelihood that some idiot would think they could still set off fireworks and not cause a safety hazard.
I love fireworks – but things like drinking and firearms, or drought and fireworks, don't go hand in hand.
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Samantha Bangayan
Yikes! That sounds freaky, Holly! I'm so glad you were all safe. This reminds of when I visited the Okanagan — a lot of the youth mixed fireworks and drinking. Not a happy sight. =(
patrick
Wow that looks pretty amazing! Sorry to hear about the scar but I love fireworks and i'm sure you had a great time
Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! It's true, Patrick! Even with that burn (and a couple holes in my clothes), it was the perfect introduction to the festive ambiance here in Peru! =) Couldn't complain! =)
RobertaBudvietas
That bull is a real concern for safety. In NZ we have many public displays of fireworks, most well controlled and out on the harbour. I imagine this year with the Rugby World Cup there will be many noisy nights.
Buying of firecrackers and setting them off is technically limited to Guy Faulks week in November but some people buy and hold on to them until NEW Years eve.
Fires are always a problem at that time of year as silly people are unable to control or plan carefully. Many people get burns, lose limbs etc. I remember many years ago being in Hawaii on New Years Eve and there were so many little bangers set off from midnight to 4 am that the next morning the streets were covered in red with the burnt firecrackers.
The fascination of fire
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! That sounds similar to Vancouver, Roberta! We have a summer fireworks competition every year and they hold it in the middle of the bay! =)
That is so sneaky of people to save fireworks until New Year's Eve. The ensuing fires are the scariest part. How horrifying that you've heard of people losing limbs as well. =(
Thanks so much for sharing your varied experiences, Roberta! =)
Hajra
Looks like you are having fun after all that tummy ache!
I do like the glamour associated with fireworks and the brilliance they look high up in the sky. But, I think they cause way too much noise and it gets a little annoying after a certain point of time.
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! So true, Hajra! =) The fireworks were definitely a distraction after all those sick days. =P
What perfect words to describe it! "Glamour" and "brilliance"! =) But it's true that all the positives can sometimes be outweighed by the negatives: noise, annoyance and danger!
MuMuGB
It sounds really nice but a bit wild too…I am a quiet person. I love fireworks, but from far only. Safety first. I know, I sound like a killjoy!
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Not at all! It's a killjoy when someone gets hurt, so in that sense, you can always enjoy without being a killjoy — in my opinion. =) Hugs!
Adriene (Sweepy Jean)
After about 2 minutes, I’m already bored with the fireworks. If I were in that crowd from the video, I would have been so out of there; I’m not trying to get burned! But fireworks can be exciting, so, to each his or her own. 😉
Samantha Bangayan
Hey! That actually happens to me too, now that I think about it, Adriene! We used to have fireworks parties for summer fireworks in Vancouver and it would get a little boring after a while. =)
Justin | Mazzastick
Hi Samantha,
As a child I absolutely loved fireworks but as an adult I can do without them. Used responsibly they are a wonderful thing to watch but in the wrong hands someone may get hurt.
The video looks really wild.
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Samantha Bangayan
That's so true, Justin! And even if fireworks are in the "right" hands, there's still a chance people can get hurt if uncontrolled!
penniej2
The "Toro loco" looks and is very dangerous but it is also spectacular (love the video) and more important, it's a tradition, and in a Latino country, tradition vastly outweighs safety. Yes, people are hurt – occasionally – but even that risk is part of the fun or the challenge.
Do I think fireworks are dangerous? I guess so especially up close, but who is to stop us from enjoying a fireworks show at a safe distance? When I was a kid in England, all my mother allowed us were sparklers or crackers that you pulled apart until they went bang. Here in the U.S. where people are afraid of things that go bump in the night, fireworks are often forbidden, but in Mexico, I could do without the "cuetes" that make you jump because they sound like bullets.
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Samantha Bangayan
You've totally got it, Pennie — tradition outweighs safety! Another crazy tradition they have here (and maybe in Mexico too?) is the cortamonte, where they cut down a tree! There have been various injuries from these types of fiestas!
Ooh! Never heard of cuetes! Sounds like the kind of fireworks that would freak me out too! It's so interesting how there are similarities yet differences between celebrations in different parts of Latin America. =)
penniej2
Cuetes or cohetes – rockets. I'm sure you have them in Peru. They don't have the tree in Mexico – not as far as I know – but I remember that in Austria, in May, in the Arlberg, they used to roll flaming logs down the hillsides and mountains.
Samantha Bangayan
OMG! I just asked Roy about it and he reminded me that "cuetecillos" are exactly what they light every Christmastime! He said that the bigger cuetes are the ones that might be freaky! =)
Yikes! I hope those flaming logs all rolled into something safe! =P
Kim Davies
Hi, Sam.
I love fireworks! From afar though. I could never imagine myself going near any of those pyrotechnic stuff. They are dangerous. So, you were born in the Philippines? Hmm…I can see a Skype call or chat in the future for us. 😉 There are a lot of horror stories involving firework accidents in the Philippines. I've seen the pictures. And, I cringe every time, which is why I am deathly afraid to go near that stuff. But, when they are up there, in the skies…Beautiful!
Love to have the chance to visit you here again, Sam. Talk or chat with you soon. 🙂
Warm Regards!
Kim
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Samantha Bangayan
Yeah!! Kim, I've got my Skype working with a pretty good connection these days! We should definitely chat! =) I still consider the Philippines a strong part of my culture because I used to spend every summer in Davao City as a child. =)
I love the comparison you make — horror stories up close v. beautiful in the sky. =)
So hope we can chat soon, Kim! =) Hugs!
Diana Simon
Hi Sam,
I am a chicken when it comes to these things. I know they are fun and I haven't had negative memories of fireworks. Maybe I am a person who prefers quieter celebrations LOL. For example, I love Chinese New Year and the fireworks add to the lion dance performances. It's nice for 5 minutes but after that, it becomes too much for me 🙂 Everything in moderation!
In Italy, fireworks are only allowed on New Year's Eve and Day. Thank goodness for this.
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Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! You're not a "chicken," Diana! You just prefer different kinds of celebrations. =) And "everything in moderation" certainly applies to fireworks too! Good point! =)
Chinese New Year is a great example of spectacular fireworks, especially because the Chinese invented them. =)
The fireworks culture is so different around the world — loved learning about Italy too!
giulietta nardone
Hi Samantha!
It looks fun. I'd go and stand back a bit. Reminds me of the Pamploma and the running of the bulls. If folks want to take the chance, I say let them. A life lived in a bubble is a life not worth living.
Enjoy wild and wonderful Peru. G.
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! The running of the bulls is definitely a dangerous counterpart!
I love how you put it — it's up to each person how much risk they're willing to handle! =) Many people get a high from risks like these!
Keith Davis
Hi Sam
Always love coming over and seeing your smiling face.
I think that if there were a "best smile on an avatar" competition, you would win it easy. LOL
Fireworks always remind me of when my daughter was young.
We used to take her to fireworks displays and when the fireworks started, she would break into tears and we would have to leave.
Seems so long ago.
She's 19 now and studying Theology at Exeter University.
Tide and time….
Been great having you over on easyP.
What a breathe of fresh air you are.
Keep blogging Sam, keep blogging.
Keith
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Samantha Bangayan
Aww… what an absolutely beautiful compliment, Keith! =) Thank you so much for those uber nice words about my smile. =P
I loved how you shared that story of fireworks experiences with your daughter and paralleling it to where she is now! =) How things change! =)
Thanks so much for sharing your story and for the endless encouragement, Keith! =)
Keith Davis
No problem Sam
Don't think that you need any more encouragement… you are way beyond that now.
Great community you have built.
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I so appreciate the feedback, Keith! =) I learn from some of the best… including you! =)
Lynn
Only 4 days away from our July 4th celebration of Indepedence Day. Our area is banned from fireworks because of the fire danger. But in the past, I know of so many kids getting hurt or worse.
Fireworks are beautiful and fun for celebrating, but as you know Samantha, they can be dangerous. Glad you were'nt too badly hurt. Thank you for sharing the celebration in Peru – very interesting to learn of other cultures.
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Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! I do hope your Independence Day was just as fabulous even without fireworks! =) This happened in Vancouver once for Canada Day, but there were still tons of festivities! =) Fireworks aren't the only way even though they're so classic to these special days. =)
Thanks so much for dropping by, Lynn! =)
Bill Dorman
All my memories are great memories. I remember way back in the day before there were hardly any restrictions; you could walk right up to where they were shooting the commercial stuff. I always like the whooomp as it was leaving the tube and then the concussion effect when they exploded.
I think there has to be some safety element, but don't take all the fun out of it, huh?
Good to see you and I'll be watching fireworks from somewhere as we celebrate our Independence Day here in the US this weekend.
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I had no idea that there were such few restrictions in the past! =) I've never seen those fireworks up close. That must have been an experience and I love the "whoomp" and "concussion effect" that you use to describe it! =P
Hope you had a beautiful Independence Day and thanks so much for sharing your story, Bill!! =)
Adrienne
I don't have pleasant memories of fireworks myself Samantha. I was always scared of them because my Mom would tell us horrible things that had happened to other kids because they weren't careful. That was her way of making darn sure we didn't do anything we shouldn't. Well, it definitely worked on me. Anything you hold and set on fire just doesn't seem like much fun to me.
Now watching a fireworks display is much different. They are beautiful to watch from a distance. I've seen a lot of magnificent fireworks displays before. The one in the video was unusual. It looked like he was walking around holding an animal piñata with fireworks coming out it's feet. That's different.
Thanks for sharing, enjoyed the video.
Adrienne
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Samantha Bangayan
It's so interesting to think of the influence our parents have on our ways of being! =) There must be something that I avoid now because of my parents' stories as a child! I'll have to think about this one! =)
Haha! I so loved how you described the "toro loco," Adrienne! =P It's definitely a different experience from seeing fireworks in the sky. To me, it's nerve-wracking! =P
Nyxzie
I had never heard of castillones and toros locos before. It looks interesting, but I think I'd rather watch from the comfort and safety of my home than live!
As for fireworks . . . I LOVE them! But only at organized events where trained professionals are setting them off! The past 4 years I've had to watch 4th of July fireworks from work. I'd stand outside, smoke a cigarette and catch a few pretty lights. This is the first year I get to take my daughter to see fireworks since she was 2 years old (she's 6 now). I am so uber excited!
How do you feel about fireworks since being hit? Do you think the celebrations are worth the danger?
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Samantha Bangayan
Same here, Dayle! After that first fiasco, I decided that I enjoyed all the craziness much more from a distance. =) I'm starting to learn toward the opinion that each individual should decide if the fiesta is worth the risk for them.
WOW!! I so hope you had a beautiful time enjoying the fireworks with your daughter on Independence Day! Fireworks are infinitely more beautiful when you share the spectacle with the ones you love. =)
Antonia
The best memories I have related to fireworks is during our celebration of new year's eve. It's the great way to actually celebrate it with family. Lights from fireworks are everywhere plus all noises of people celebrating.
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Samantha Bangayan
That's true, Antonia! =) My family and I would watch the fireworks from the television, but it was still homey. =)
So great to meet you and thanks so much for stopping by! =)
marcusbaker
Hi Samantha,
I loved fire works as a kid. Of course I was different to most of the other kids who loved the cracker variety. I preferred those that were visually entertaining.
When I lived In Spain it felt as if there was a new festival every week to be celebrated and much the same as in Peru I would imagine, there was always fireworks. Eventually they lost their appeal for me.
An organized fireworks display is a huge part of new year celebrations in Sydney. While I can appreciate these I am usually appalled by the cost.
I am also very much an animals person and many dogs and cats are terrified by fireworks.
I guess for me Responsibility with a capital R is required when it comes to fireworks.
Thank you for sharing the video. It actually brought memories of Spain flooding back which was rather special too.
~Marcus
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Samantha Bangayan
Spain *does* sound very similar to Peru, Marcus! There are so many fiestas and festivals here, often with castillones, that it becomes less exciting. Sometimes, well-made castillones have new features that appeal to the crowd, but they're rare and often cost a lot of money!
Speaking of money — you've reminded me of the super expensive fireworks competitions we have in Vancouver. These must be similar to the expense of your New Year's celebrations!
Thanks so much for sharing your stories, Marcus! I so love learning more bits and pieces about you! =)
Lalia
As I child I used to love going to see the big fireworks displays on the 4th of July. The colors and explosions. It was just part of the festivities of the day. But as the years went on, it seemed that I stopped going and now I don't even remember the last time I went to see fireworks (unless it was after a baseball game). Seems kind of sad!
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Samantha Bangayan
Hehe! That's not sad at all! Fireworks can also lose their appeal. Maybe the next time you find yourself at a fireworks-filled celebration, it'll be all the more dazzling and amazing! =)
Hilda
happy 4th of July sammantha.
Your fireworks look so beautiful, I wish I was there.
and put some band aid and alcohol on your injury so there wouldn't be an infection
xoxo
have fun
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Samantha Bangayan
Happy belated 4th of July, Hilda! I so hope you celebrated it wel! =)
Thanks for the doctor-ly advice, friend! =) Hugs!! =)
Michael White
Noughty fireworks.
Until 2001 there was a street block in Lima that was famous for the sale of fireworks. Newsreel showed a firework rocket across the street, from one shop to another, then more fireworks to others, until the block was destroyed. http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/spanish/latin_america/ne…
On Arequipa's foundation celebrations in 1996 a rocket brought down power cables, electrocuting bystanders. .
Apparently there are 12 or more authorised dealers in Lima. http://www.rpp.com.pe/2010-12-22-sepa-donde-compr….
Displays may be brilliant, but accidents often result in temporary bans. Spectators need to use their common sense in case organisers or other spectators do not.
Search ''fuegos artificiales'' + Peru for many examples.
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Samantha Bangayan
Wow! You've really put together some of the top national news pieces on this, Michael! Thanks so much for sharing all of these stories and links! It's kind of scary how serious the dangers can be. I try to be a "responsible spectator" too… in that I hide behind doors. =P Hehe!
Thanks so much for stopping by! Can't wait to meet you in Trujillo soon! =)
Samantha Bangayan
Ooh! That sounds exactly like children here, Vinny! I love your take on this and I'm so glad you were never hurt. =)
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I'm imagining a baby Abe hiding under the table. =) I think it can often go both ways for children — fascination or fear!
Omigoodness! That is SO scary about a firecracker blowing up in your hand!! =( I hope you didn't have any lasting scars from it! And what an intense story about your son too. I guess we all learn in our own ways.
I especially love your conclusion, Abe. They can definitely be beautiful when handled correctly!
Joshua
Fireworks are always nice to see. If you follow some simple yet important steps with the use of fireworks then you could easily avoid any accident. I don’t think that this should be banned in any country. By the way your experience in Peru is really nice and I hope you will always cherish these wonderful memories in your whole life.
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Samantha Bangayan
That's a great point, Joshua! The people who use fireworks should be responsable people who can and intend to follow those steps too!
Also, thanks for the reminder that I should cherish these experiences!! =) I so appreciate it!!
Sherry Zander
That's crazy that someone actually puts that bull on and runs around under it — that and it's dangerous. I would have to say that I've loved fireworks all my life. We once had a dog that chased fireworks and that added to the 4th of July entertainment for us. Most U.S. cities have organized fireworks and ours is no different. We only have a population of around 2,000, but we have a fireworks display equal to major metropolitan cities. It's beautiful every year. It reminds me of when we visited Disney World in Florida. They had fireworks every night there and it was the best quality I've ever seen.
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Samantha Bangayan
I know eh! It's completely dangerous, not only for the guy running with the bull on his head, but also for everyone who accidentally crosses paths with him!
Haha! =) How cool to have a dog that chased fireworks instead of being afraid of them! =) Ooh! I've seen the fireworks at DisneyWorld too! Makes me miss my childhood! =)