Five Incredible Bonfire Displays Worldwide

The bonfire, an ancient tradition of fire and festivity, has become a canvas for celebration across cultures worldwide. Some of these fiery gatherings have evolved into massive public spectacles, where communities come together in awe of blazing art forms that range from awe-inspiring sculptures to burning effigies. Here’s a look at five of the wildest, most impressive bonfire displays that captivate audiences around the globe:

1. Burning Man – Black Rock Desert, Nevada, USA:

While it started as a small gathering in 1986, Burning Man has transformed into one of the most famous (and craziest) bonfire events in the world. Held annually in the desolate Black Rock Desert, this festival is an immersive, temporary city known as “Black Rock City.” The week-long event culminates in the ritualistic burning of a massive, wooden "Man" effigy, symbolizing themes like rebirth, reflection, and radical self-expression.

Participants—dubbed “Burners”—come from all over the world to contribute art installations, perform, and take part in communal experiences. Many sculptures are interactive or created with the intent to be set ablaze, creating an unmissable show of surreal flames and creativity under the desert sky. The gathering emphasizes principles like self-reliance and anti-materialism, making it a unique fusion of counterculture spirit and artistic pyrotechnics.

2. Guy Fawkes Night – Lewes, England:

You can't have any bonfire list without this - Lewes takes November 5 to an entirely new level. Known as the "Bonfire Capital of the World," Lewes hosts multiple bonfire societies that parade through the town with flaming torches, elaborate costumes, and even firework displays before lighting enormous bonfires with effigies of infamous figures.

Each year, these societies create satirical effigies of controversial figures from history, current events, or politics, which they then burn in grand fashion. The event draws tens of thousands of people and has become one of the most intense fire spectacles in Europe. Fire safety measures are strictly enforced, but the event is still a raw and thrilling reminder of the power of protest and fire.

3. The National Pyrotechnic Festival – Tultepec, Mexico:

In the small town of Tultepec, just north of Mexico City, fire and pyrotechnics are not just entertainment—they’re an art form. Known as the fireworks capital of Mexico, Tultepec hosts the National Pyrotechnic Festival every March to honour Saint John of God, the patron saint of fireworks makers. This festival is filled with high-energy displays, including parades, fireworks, and most famously, the pamplonada de toros, or “running of the bulls”—but with a fiery twist.

During the pamplonada, massive paper-mache bulls rigged with fireworks are paraded through the streets. Brave participants dodge sparks and explosions as the bulls "charge" through the crowds in a thrilling spectacle of fire and color. The festival culminates in a grand fireworks display and bonfire that lights up the night, symbolizing Tultepec’s deep-rooted tradition and expertise in pyrotechnics. This adrenaline-fueled event is a vibrant expression of community pride and an exhilarating homage to Mexico’s pyrotechnic heritage.

4. Up Helly Aa – Shetland Islands, Scotland:

In the frigid northern reaches of Scotland, the Shetland Islands pay tribute to their Viking heritage with a winter fire festival like no other—Up Helly Aa. Held annually on the last Tuesday of January, this fiery festival culminates in the burning of a massive Viking longship. The festival itself is a mix of celebration, parade, and historical re-enactment, with participants dressed in traditional Viking attire marching through the town with torches in hand.

The highlight of Up Helly Aa is the spectacle of the “Guizer Jarl” (chief Viking) leading hundreds of torch-bearers, known as guizers, to the Viking ship. Together, they cast their torches onto the ship, igniting it in a symbolic tribute to the islanders’ Norse ancestors. This event represents a strong sense of community, history, and resilience, as the people of the Shetland Islands brave harsh winter weather to keep this blazing tradition alive.

5. Chaharshanbe Suri – Iran:

Chaharshanbe Suri, or the “Festival of Fire,” is an ancient Iranian celebration held on the last Wednesday of the year, symbolizing purification and renewal. This prelude to Nowruz, the Persian New Year, involves bonfires that people jump over to cleanse themselves of misfortune and usher in good luck for the year ahead. In recent years, the festival has become more elaborate, with communities gathering in parks and open spaces to celebrate with bonfires, fireworks, and music.

Though less structured than other festivals on this list, Chaharshanbe Suri showcases the cultural significance of fire as a symbol of hope and rebirth. The fires act as a medium for people to release negativity and gather strength for the coming year, combining spirituality with a visceral, thrilling energy that fills the night.