As Don Estaban lies on his deathbed, the town of San Miguel prepares for the celebration of its volcano's 50th birthday. There will be a concert and a parade, but there are also threats of demonstrations and vigilantes. It's all too much for the local mayor, who is beginning to wish they'd never planned these festivities.

Nevertheless, amidst all the chaos and suffering, lives intermingle in unexpected ways, and are transformed in the shadow of Artemio's Fire.