Havana, December 26 (RHC) - A fireworks explosion injured 22 people, including six children between the ages of 11 and 15, during a popular Cuban carnival on Christmas Eve.

“An unfortunate accident with fireworks occurred last night in Remedios,” Cubadebate website reported Monday.

Among the more than 20 seriously injured health authorities said some were in “very grave, some less grave, and others in critical and very critical condition.”

All the injured appeared to be local residents, and the report did not mention that any tourists were hurt.

The cause of the explosion was under investigation.

Remedios is located in Villa Clara province on the northern coast of the island.

The centuries-old Parrandas festival in the central town of Remedios takes place every December 24 and draws thousands of Cubans and some tourists. The festivity, one of the oldest of Cuba, features a fireworks contest between the neighborhoods of San Salvador and El Carmen.

The neighborhoods compete on Christmas Eve each year to put on the most spectacular show with floats and fireworks amidst a carnival atmosphere

The tradition was declared National Cultural Heritage in 2013

.