Annual Tultepec Festival Celebrates Mexican Fireworks Craftsmanship

Residents push a giant paper-mache "torito" or bull stuffed with fireworks during a nighttime lighting of bull-shaped figures as part of the annual festival honoring Saint John of God, in Tultepec, Me

Every year, in the first week of March, the Mexican town of Tultepec comes alive with a unique and vibrant celebration. The town is known for its annual tradition of creating giant paper-mache bulls stuffed with fireworks, known as 'toritos.'

During this festive time, thousands of skilled artisans meticulously craft these colorful bulls, bringing them to life with intricate patterns and designs. The highlight of the celebration is when these bull-shaped figures are set alight, creating a spectacular display of fireworks.

Unlike previous years, the lighting of the bulls took place in an open field near Tultepec, attracting a large crowd eager to witness the spectacle. Attendees danced and dodged amid the fire-spitting bulls, reminiscent of the famous running of the bulls festival in Pamplona, Spain.

Skilled artisans meticulously craft colorful bulls with intricate designs.

Tultepec celebrates with giant paper-mache bulls filled with fireworks.

Bulls are set alight, creating a spectacular fireworks display.

The festival honors St. John of God, the town's patron saint.

Tultepec is known as 'the capital of pyrotechnics' due to its history.

Los Chavitos is a prominent workshop creating cardboard figures for fireworks.

Concerns about safety persist, but locals are dedicated to the tradition.

March 8 features a grand procession with monumental paper-mache bulls.

The festival highlights culture, craftsmanship, and community spirit.

Tultepec's fireworks festival is a celebration of tradition and artistry.

The festival, now in its 35th year, is a tribute to St. John of God, the patron saint of the poor and sick, whom the town's fireworks producers hold in high regard. It also serves as a way for Tultepec to showcase its craftsmanship and draw visitors to the town.

One of the prominent workshops in Tultepec is the family-run business, Los Chavitos, which has been producing cardboard figures for fireworks for over a decade. Their creations range from small bulls to giant ones, as well as figures of saints and mythical creatures.

Tultepec's rich history in pyrotechnics dates back to the colonial period when the town became known for its gunpowder production. Today, it is affectionately referred to as 'the capital of pyrotechnics.'

Despite concerns about safety, the artisans and locals remain dedicated to preserving this cherished tradition. For them, the art of creating these magnificent bulls is not just a job but a way of life that they are passionate about.

Every March 8, Tultepec hosts a grand procession where monumental paper-mache bulls are paraded through the streets as an offering to St. John. The sky is illuminated with colorful explosions from the smaller bulls, adding to the magic of the occasion.

The festival is a testament to the town's resilience and spirit, showcasing the beauty of tradition and the artistry of its people. Tultepec's fireworks festival is not just a spectacle but a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and community.