Las Fallas de Valencia

Overview

• Celebrated festival in Valencia, Spain.
• Known for vast sculptures called "fallas."
• Composed of wood, cardboard, and plastic.

Key Details

• Approximately 700 fallas displayed throughout the city.
• Vary in size and style: some humorous, others satirical.
• Some monuments exceed 30 meters in height; cranes required for assembly.

Preparation

• Plantá: Final assembly on March 16th; artisans may work non-stop.
• Organized by fallera commissions (local associations) responsible for their own falla.
• Commissions compete for awards (most beautiful or original falla).

Festival Activities

• Major events from March 15th to 19th.
• City center streets closed for pedestrian access.
• Pasacalles: Parade with musicians, singing, and dancing.
• Thousands participate as falleros, wearing traditional costumes.
  • Women in beautiful dresses and hairstyles.
  • Each commission accompanied by a marching band.

Flower Offering

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

Festival Atmosphere

• Street celebrations: food, dance, and parties in marquees.
• Huts selling churros and pumpkin buñuelos.
• Morning wake-up call: despertá, with noisy festivities.
• Fireworks, rockets, and firecrackers enjoyed by Valencians.

Mascletá

• Held at 2 PM in the town hall square.
• Hundreds of kilos of gunpowder detonated, creating a vibrant sound experience.

Bullfighting

• Takes place during the festival.

Night Celebrations

• Streets illuminated with colorful lights.
• Features amazing music and light displays.

Conclusion of the Festival

• Cremá: On the night of March 19th, fallas are burned, coinciding with the feast day of Saint Joseph.
• Tradition rooted in carpenters' practices of burning old items to welcome spring.
• One small figure typically remains from the fire each year, symbolizing hope.