Video: Glowing Skies and Ancient Legends the Festival of Santa Eulalia

A Night of Fire and Folklore in the Heart of Catalonia

The night sky over a quiet neighbourhood in Catalonia transformed into a canvas of light and sound to honour the Festival of Santa Eulalia. While many are focused on the colourful energy of Carnival this year, this specific display of fire and tradition remains a unique cultural cornerstone. Witnessing the fireworks glow against the local architecture was a powerful reminder of the deep roots that anchor this region.

The history of Santa Eulalia is a story of resistance and conviction that defines the soul of Barcelona. Legend tells of a thirteen-year-old girl in the 4th century who stood against Roman authorities to protest the persecution of Christians. Her bravery led to thirteen martyrdoms, one for each year of her life, and she remains an eternal symbol of justice and solidarity. This legacy is still visible at the Barcelona Cathedral, where thirteen white geese live in the cloister to represent her age and sacrifice.

As the co-patron of the city, Eulalia is celebrated with an intimate local character that truly came alive in the 1980s through the initiative of the giant groups of Ciutat Vella. The streets now fill with the Catalan Bestiary featuring iconic figures like the fierce Dragon and the majestic Eagle. This crowned bird, often mistaken for an owl, performs ceremonial dances to honour the saint alongside the rhythmic energy of correfocs and the strength of castellers. These events connect every participant with a Roman and medieval past that has survived for over seventeen hundred years.

I shot a short video of last night fireworks: