Guerra de Espadas in Brazil northeast

Today, 24th June is Saint John (a catholic saint) day in Brazil (also in many other catholic countries). In states/cities of Brazil northeast like Bahia and Sergipe, there is a beautiful tradition named Guerra de Espadas (in english "swords war"). The celebration consists of throwing fireworks artifacts like small gerbs/fountains (these are known as "espadas" and "busca-pés") in large streets, between people. The devices are tubes made of a kind of a native Brazilian bamboo named "taboca" and filled with a blackpowder composition with iron swarf for the sparkling effect. The "espadas" just make a sparking effect, while the "busca-pés" explode at the end. These fireworks are handmade by the "warriors" and it is know that this is a centenary tradition. Unfortunatelly, due to security concerns, this tradition is loosing power in the last years, but is still present in some places. Some of the main cities where you can still found some celebrations with these fireworks are: Cruz das Almas, Senhor do Bonfim and Estância.

guerra de espadas

Picture from correio24horas.com.br

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