firey St Jean de Luz

During the summer in St Jean de Luz they have this thing called the toro de fuego. It takes place in the main Place Louis XIV at around half ten, just as it's getting dark and just as people are starting to feel the effects of wine and champagne.

Basically, the street lights go out and a man dressed in a wicker bull costume runs through the crowds with fireworks issuing forth from his mask. Given there were around five hundred in the square this evening this was quite some task.

There is a lot of noise, a good deal of frivolity and much singed hair. Absolutely no health and safety. I love the Basque country.

Basque of the day:- political correctness :: [does not translate]