Las Bolas de Fuego

Every year, on the evening of August 31st, the inhabitants of Nejapa gather to throw fireballs in commemoration of the El Playon volcanic eruption of 1658. The story goes that the natural disaster forced the villagers of the old town to flee and settle in their current location. Today, residents have divided into two teams to paint their faces like skulls and start the festival by hurling palm-sized kerosene fireballs at the opposing team. Although dangerous, Las Bolas de Fuego has been around for over 100 years now and is one of the world's best unusual festivals.