The Ball de Diables of Esplugues de Llobregat is one of the most active popular culture organizations in the municipality. Created in 2003, it adopts the model of the historical "balls" from the Penedès and Camp de Tarragona regions, with a staging that combines fire, ritual dance, and dramaturgy. The central narrative revolves around the confrontation between the forces of Hell—Lucifer, the She-Devil, and the Borrons—and the divine power represented by the Archangel Saint Michael, who intervenes to restore order.
The group is a regular feature of Esplugues's processions, where they advance to the rhythm of the drums and with pyrotechnic progression, setting off firecrackers and fountains in street choreographies that are part of the municipality's festive image. One of the highlights of the calendar is the celebration of Saint Magdalene, during which the devils present the Ball Parlat (Spoken Dance) and the Versots (satirical verses). The Ball Parlat, established in 2007, dramatizes the struggle between Heaven and Hell, while the Versots unleash satirical criticism on local and political current events, kept secret until the moment of recitation.
The activity of the Ball de Diables extends throughout the year with events such as the Sant Joan’s Eve celebration, the Sant Mateu festivities, and the Sant Esteve Quinto. In 2011, the organization expanded its project with the founding of the Ball de Diables Infantil d’Esplugues, which faithfully reproduces the model of the adult group and introduces children between 4 and 14 years old to the culture of fire.
The group has a very defined structure of characters and roles: Lucifer and Diablessa as visible leaders, the troop of devils, the drummers, the Botafoc, the distributors, and the support members who manage sceptres, maces, carts, and pyrotechnics. The attire, in ochre and red tones, maintains its own iconographic elements and follows the traditional safety criteria of the devilish world.
With a polished aesthetic, a strong street presence, and constant involvement in Esplugues' festive life, the Ball de Diables has consolidated itself as one of the driving forces behind the dissemination of fire culture in the municipality.
