Las Fallas de Valencia

Overview

• One of the best-known festivals in Spain
• Celebrates the art of "fallas" (sculptures) made from wood, cardboard, and plastic
• Approximately 700 fallas are displayed around the city, varying in size and style

Fallas Construction

• Artists spend months constructing these large monuments, some exceeding 30 meters in height
• Cranes are used for assembly due to their size
• By March 16th, all fallas must be completed (known as "plantá")
• Many artisans work tirelessly through the day and night leading up to this date

Fallera Commissions

• Local organizations called "fallera" commissions manage the construction and celebration efforts
• Each commission competes for awards for the most beautiful and original falla
• Celebration involves setting up marquees for parties, food, and dancing

Main Festival Events

• Main events occur between March 15th and 19th
• Streets in the city center are closed to traffic for pedestrian enjoyment
• "Pasacalles": a parade with musicians, where people sing and dance along
• Thousands of "falleros" (participants) in traditional costumes, with women in beautiful dresses
• Each commission has a marching band

Floral Offering

• On March 17th and 18th, "falleros" bring flowers to create a dress for Our Lady

Festival Activities

• Enjoy traditional snacks such as churros and pumpkin "buñuelos"
• "Despertá": noisy wake-up calls by falleros through the streets
• Fireworks and firecrackers are popular, with children participating
• "Mascletá": a lunchtime event in the town hall square featuring large amounts of gunpowder
• Bullfighting also occurs during the festival
• Streets are illuminated with colorful lights and nighttime music/light displays

Conclusion of the Festival

• The fallas are burned on the night of March 19th (the "cremá") to symbolize the arrival of spring
• Tradition dates back to carpenters burning old items as a farewell to winter
• Each year, one small figure is spared from the fire

Cultural Reflection

• The burning of the fallas evokes mixed emotions; it's seen as both a celebration and a loss.