The Colombian Caribbean is a region full of traditions that range from culinary to street cultural celebrations. A famous celebration of the latter is the famous "Bolas de candela" ("fireballs") that are played with in Carmen de Bolivar on the night the Virgin of Carmen is honored. 

Legend has it that the tradition of the "fireballs" was born one dark night, during the festivities of the Virgen del Carmen. As there was no light, the parishioners who came to the procession lit their way with torches. At the end of the Eucharist, these torches were thrown to the ground and kicked like balls by the carmeros.

The tradition continued from generation to generation every July 16, until it became one of the main events of the Festivities of the Virgen del Carmen in this renowned municipality of Bolivar.

"The 'fireball' is like the chepacorina [traditional cookie' here in El Carmen. The tradition is lived with enthusiasm," said Mr. Ramiro, inhabitant of the municipality in an interview with the Institute of Culture and Tourism of Bolivar. 

How are the "fireballs" made? 

The famous balls are made of fique, tied in place with burnt wires to hold their shape. To set them on fire, they are sprayed with gasoline so they last a long time while being kicked through the streets of Carmen de Bolivar. 

Victor Piña makes the balls that are set on fire with old sacks of fique, and says he does not charge anything if the person brings him the supplies because what he wants is to preserve the tradition in his town. 

At the beginning, they were only kicked in the main square of El Carmen, but this event has grown so much that young and old people now kick their own improvised balls in the streets of their neighborhoods.