Every year, the Mexican town of Tultepec celebrates San Juan de Dios, the patron saint of pyrotechnics.

Families gather to craft their intricate "toros," bull-shaped papier-mâché frames covered in vibrant paper decorations, flowers - and hundreds of fireworks.

Keen to understand more about this tradition, I spent time with Toña who generously welcomed me to eat and drink with her family, as they prepared their toro..

A simple question to Jose, a 70-year-old resident, about his absence from the burning would soon provide a clear answer: imagine each bull, laden with hundreds of fireworks, ignited simultaneously.

Once the ceremonial exercise of building and decorating the toros has been completed, their creations are paraded through the town.

Showcasing each family’s respective efforts, the pride in their creations is clear for all to see.

As they were brought into the feria, the sheer scale of the event - and the toros, became apparent.

Despite the dense crowd, the fireworks were ignited without hesitation. Rockets, sparks and shrapnel filled the air, likewise the tang of gunpowder - creating scenes of chaos.

I took a variety of precautionary  measures in anticipation of the burning of bulls, ear protection, gloves and goggles. However the choice to wear light, breathable clothing was a gaping oversight.

Following people into the flames, often only a meter or two away from the bulls, made injury inevitable.

However, walking away with a story and images that I’m proud of, made having a few burns (and damaged camera equipment, oops) all worthwhile.