Las Fallas de Valencia

Overview

• One of Spain's best known festivals.
• Celebrated in Valencia.
• Involves building large sculptures called "fallas."

The Fallas

• Sculptures made from wood, cardboard, and plastic.
• Approximately 700 fallas are set up around the city.
• Vary in size and style (humorous, satirical).
• Some constructed by artists over several months, reaching heights over 30 meters.
• Cranes are used for assembly.

Preparation for the Festival

• Final assembly deadline: March 16th ("plantá").
• Artisans work continuously (day and night) to complete fallas.
• Local organizations called "fallera" commissions manage the construction of fallas in their respective streets or squares.
• Competitions held among fallera commissions for the most beautiful and original falla.

Festival Events

• Main celebrations: March 15th - 19th.
• City center streets closed to traffic for pedestrians.

Processions and Celebrations

• Pasacalles: Musicians lead parades with attendees singing and dancing.
• Thousands of "falleros" participate in traditional costumes; women wear elaborate dresses and hairstyles.
• Each commission is accompanied by a marching band.

Special Activities

• Flower Offering: On March 17th and 18th, falleros bring flowers for Our Lady, creating a magnificent dress.
• Despertá: Early morning noise-making by falleros to wake neighbors.
• Fireworks and firecrackers are popular, especially with children.
• Mascletá: Held at 2 PM in the town hall square, featuring extensive gunpowder displays.
• Bullfighting events occur during the festival.
• Streets illuminated with colorful lights and music displays at night.

The Final Event: La Cremá

• On March 19th, the fallas are burned in a ceremony called "cremá."
• This tradition symbolizes saying farewell to winter and welcoming spring.
• Each year, only one small figure is saved from the flames.

Conclusion

• Las Fallas is a vibrant and lively festival, full of festivities, food (e.g., churros, pumpkin buñuelos), and community spirit.
• The burning of the fallas, although sad, is a cherished tradition.