03:12Argentinians kicked off Saint John's Day festivities in Gobernador Virasoro on Sunday evening with a fiery game of 'pelota tata', otherwise known as 'fireball'.
Footage shows participants kicking around the fiery ball - risking burns to the feet and even serious injury - as well as burning a large rag doll, setting up a bonfire and parading an animal skull with burning antlers.
"What I liked the most was the fireball because it reminds me of my childhood when we did it in schools and many kids got together. It was entertainment and something nice that, as I say, is a tradition that should not be lost. I hope that every year becomes better. This year was wonderful, and I hope they continue like this," said one local, Javier.
"It also makes me remember when I was a kid and it was the first time. I was a bit nervous, but it was nice. I think I had burned my finger playing, and I spent a week with my foot in the bucket, but no one took me away, which was good," he added.
Saint John Day, observed on June 24th, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in the Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
The 'Fogueres de Sant Joan' festival (grand festival of fire), celebrated on Saint John's Eve, is marked by grand bonfires symbolising purification and renewal, a tradition deeply rooted in Argentinian and Hispanic cultures.
Great balls of fire! Argentinians light up St John's Eve with sizzling game of 'pelota tata'
Argentinians kicked off Saint John's Day festivities in Gobernador Virasoro on Sunday evening with a fiery game of 'pelota tata', otherwise known as 'fireball'.
Footage shows participants kicking around the fiery ball - risking burns to the feet and even serious injury - as well as burning a large rag doll, setting up a bonfire and parading an animal skull with burning antlers.
"What I liked the most was the fireball because it reminds me of my childhood when we did it in schools and many kids got together. It was entertainment and something nice that, as I say, is a tradition that should not be lost. I hope that every year becomes better. This year was wonderful, and I hope they continue like this," said one local, Javier.
"It also makes me remember when I was a kid and it was the first time. I was a bit nervous, but it was nice. I think I had burned my finger playing, and I spent a week with my foot in the bucket, but no one took me away, which was good," he added.
Saint John Day, observed on June 24th, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in the Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
The 'Fogueres de Sant Joan' festival (grand festival of fire), celebrated on Saint John's Eve, is marked by grand bonfires symbolising purification and renewal, a tradition deeply rooted in Argentinian and Hispanic cultures.
Argentinians kicked off Saint John's Day festivities in Gobernador Virasoro on Sunday evening with a fiery game of 'pelota tata', otherwise known as 'fireball'.
Footage shows participants kicking around the fiery ball - risking burns to the feet and even serious injury - as well as burning a large rag doll, setting up a bonfire and parading an animal skull with burning antlers.
"What I liked the most was the fireball because it reminds me of my childhood when we did it in schools and many kids got together. It was entertainment and something nice that, as I say, is a tradition that should not be lost. I hope that every year becomes better. This year was wonderful, and I hope they continue like this," said one local, Javier.
"It also makes me remember when I was a kid and it was the first time. I was a bit nervous, but it was nice. I think I had burned my finger playing, and I spent a week with my foot in the bucket, but no one took me away, which was good," he added.
Saint John Day, observed on June 24th, is a celebration of the birth of Saint John the Baptist, an important figure in the Christian faith.
This day is marked with religious and cultural events around the world, commemorating the life and mission of the man known for baptising Jesus Christ.
The observance dates back to the 4th century and is intertwined with midsummer festivities in many cultures.
The 'Fogueres de Sant Joan' festival (grand festival of fire), celebrated on Saint John's Eve, is marked by grand bonfires symbolising purification and renewal, a tradition deeply rooted in Argentinian and Hispanic cultures.