A town in El Salvador is celebrating its annual fire battle that takes over its streets, as part of a traditional festival held in order to remember the damage caused by a volcano explosion in 1658. Since 1922, the citizens of Nejapa have celebrated the festival of fireballs in the main streets of the city, where dozens of people prepare for the battle. To start the event, they divide themselves into two camps and light a large bonfire where they place hundreds of balls to undertake this unique war. "It's a tradition, perhaps a little dangerous because we use fire, but it's something that belongs to all who live in Nejapa ... I like to participate, because of the adrenaline," Benjamin Guzman said to La Prensa. Rain was no obstacle for the citizens and the tourists to enjoy the show, as they watched with a prudent distance. Participants are preparing for the festivities by painting their faces and opening their businesses to sell food and drinks. They wear long-sleeved shirts, hats and leather gloves to be able to handle the fireballs that will be thrown to their opponents.
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