"Kparatao - home of the Fire Dance" Paratao by grets

Paratao Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 46 photos

The Fire Dance was held in a clearing in the small village of Tinadou, just outside Kparatoa, some miles from Sokode. There was a large sign at the roadside advertising the dance. Villagers from many nearby settlement came to witness the show, as well as us 15 tourists. The dance takes place round about a month after the festival of cutlasses. The dancers will attempt to prove their prowess by various daring stunts.

I really don’t know how I feel about the Fire Dance. It was spectacular of course, but what was it about it that made me feel uncomfortable? I have seen several fire dances in the past, but this one was nothing like any of them. It was more primitive, more primeval, more enigmatic and mysterious. It wasn’t just a show, it was so much more. It seemed to hold a deep-seated spiritual devotion despite its simple and unpretentious execution.

Last visit to Paratao: Dec 2006
Intro Updated Apr 9, 2007
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Reviews (13)

Fire Dance - don't try this at home kids! - Paratao

Fire Dance - don't try this at home... Things to Do (13)

Don’t try this at home kids! I don’t know how they do it, nor do I really want to know. I enjoyed the show for what it... more travel advice

Fire Dance - it's all kids' play - Paratao

Fire Dance - it's all kids' play Things to Do (13)

Aspect # 9: I could not bear to look at this, let alone take photographs, so I’m afraid there is just one lone picture... more travel advice

Fire Dance - in the palm of his hand - Paratao

Fire Dance - in the palm of his hand Things to Do (13)

Aspect # 8: Holding the fire in the palm of his hand, it looked from where I was sitting that the dancer’s hand was on... more travel advice

Fire Dance - do the Quickstep Things to Do (13)

Aspect # 7: With bare feet the dancer would approach the bonfire and slowly at first step on the burning embers. Then he... more travel advice

Comments (2)

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SLLiew Aug 28, 2007 at 1:07 AM

Wow.. step by step depiction of the Fire Dance. Thanks for sharing.
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Kate-Me Apr 19, 2007 at 5:12 AM

Fascinating!