Tultepec, in the State of Mexico, is known as the National Capital of Fireworks, since it is estimated that 80% of the government permits issued to manufacture fireworks are concentrated there. In this context, the National Pyrotechnics Fair is organized every year, an event that has made the municipality famous for its parade of monumental bulls loaded with rockets.
The National Pyrotechnics Fair, more than two centuries of trade
According to the Mexican Institute of Pyrotechnics, thanks to its abundance of saltpeter, Tultepec was the first producer of gunpowder in the colonial period, starting in the 16th century. At that time, gunpowder was made with rockrose charcoal and tequesquite, extracted from the volcanoes and Lake Texcoco.
Later, in the mid-19th century, the tradition began of celebrating, every March 8, San Juan de Dios, patron saint of the rocketry guild. And it would be from 1989 that the National Pyrotechnics Fair would begin its activities on that same date.
Pyrotechnics, Tultepequense identity
Lasting nine days, the National Pyrotechnics Fair attracts an average of more than one hundred thousand visitors each year; who enjoy concerts, dances, drum music, regional food and of course, the burning of pyrotechnic bulls.
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In addition to the important economic benefit generated by the event, the fair keeps coexistence between the neighborhoods alive and reaffirms the identity of the inhabitants of Tultepec, most of whom are dedicated to pyrotechnics.
The “bulls”, main attraction of the National Fireworks Fair
Annually, more than 300 monumental bulls loaded with hundreds of fireworks parade from the Temple of La Piedad to the Xahuento area, the fairgrounds, where on the night of March 8 they are cremated in honor of San Juan de Dios.
It should be noted that the production of these artifacts is artisanal; Therefore, it takes more than a month to make each piece, with an approximate cost of seven thousand pesos that includes, in addition to the pyrotechnics, a metal harness and wheels.
Finally, on the night of the burning, locals and visitors crowd the streets of Tultepec to be chased by the bulls and avoid the sparks. Unfortunately, the celebration is not without injuries and every year, thousands of people are reported with burns.
Keep reading: The impressive burning of bulls in Teyahualco, Tultepec, EdoMex