Lorraine Williamson
From Valencia’s deafening mascletàs to small mountain fiestas, fireworks are woven into Spain’s cultural DNA. Yet every so often, the question resurfaces: how safe are these explosive traditions in modern times? That debate returned sharply this weekend after a mishap in the Málaga village of Tolox.
The annual San Roque celebrations in Tolox are known for their intensity. At the heart lies the Cohetá, when thousands of rockets are launched in devotion to the patron saint. But on Saturday afternoon the ritual faltered. A stray rocket ignited fireworks being carried through the square, unleashing a burst of uncontrolled explosions.
Crowds scattered in fear as smoke filled the plaza. Social media clips later showed villagers running for cover, their celebrations abruptly replaced by confusion. Although local authorities confirmed three people required hospital treatment, all were released within hours.
Tradition meets modern concern
Spain’s fireworks culture stretches back centuries, originally tied to religious offerings and communal celebrations. The Cohetá in Tolox, like many such rituals, is fiercely defended by locals as a living symbol of identity. But Saturday’s incident has added to growing unease across Spain, where health and safety standards increasingly clash with custom.
Officials urge calm
Tolox council insisted the accident was “minor” and stressed that the broader spirit of San Roque festivities should not be overshadowed. Still, the striking images circulating online have left many questioning how long such events can continue without tighter oversight.
A wider Spanish dilemma
For communities across the country, the dilemma is the same: how to preserve cherished rituals while protecting public safety. From Andalucia to Catalonia, festival organisers are under mounting pressure to rethink how fireworks are managed.
Tolox’s scare may fade quickly, but it has once again ignited a national conversation. As Spain looks to safeguard its heritage, the challenge remains: can tradition and safety truly coexist when fire is at the heart of celebration?
Sources: Málaga Hoy, El Español
Fiestas, ferias, and celebrations in Spain 2025