As brighter days appear and the hibernation period comes to an end, it’s time to start planning for springtime. What’s on your destination list for this year? In Valencia the arrival of Spring is celebrated with a unique tradition, combining art and fire. If you get the chance to experience Las Fallas, do not miss it. This festival ends with beautiful works of art being destroyed at a burning fiesta on the final night. Certainly an extreme tradition, but one that has achieved a UNESCO listing.
Las Fallas celebrations
The Las Fallas festival marks the end of winter, although it’s origins include a mixture of theories. Whether the celebrations date back to pagan cleansing rituals or the centuries-old tradition of carpenters burning old wood it’s a festival worthy of your bucket list.
Over the years the meaning of the word falla has evolved. It incorporates many different connotations including the carefully crafted figures, the festival itself and the bonfire at the end.
Each neighbourhood has it’s own display for las fallas
During a week in March there is series of events to mark the occasion. The build up starts a couple of weeks before with daily La Mascleta (firecracker explosions). These are detonated in the central square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento).
La Planta marks the start of the display period which follows with parades and various contests. The combination of fiesta, fireworks and cultural events brings together locals in every neighbourhoold with activities both day and night. The art work is unique and only the winning display will remain after the festival ends on the 19th March.
Key events
- La Plantá – all fallas are completed and displayed in the streets;
- Las Mascletá (firecracker display) at 2pm every day from 1st March;
- La Dispertá (wake up call) early morning marching bands;
- L’Ofrena de flors (offering of flowers) to the Virgin Mary over 2 days (17th and 18th March) with parades with traditional costumes;
The offering of flowers parade is quite a sight
- La Nit del Foc (night of fire) firework displays on a number of nights lead up to this display on the penultimate night;
- Cavalcada del Foc (fire parade) takes places on the last night ahead of the burning with a parade of displays incorporating fire;
- La Cremá (the burning) is the climax of the event (19th March) when each falla is burned.
Experience Las Fallas
Last year we ventured into Valencia on the penultimate day, to experience Las Fallas. To find our bearings amidst the large crowds of Valencians we took a tour with a local. This gave us plenty of info on the traditions. We also heard some insight into what it was like growing up as a reina falleras (festival queen) as our guide herself had been born into one of the many fallas clubs.
A guide isn’t necessary to experience Las Fallas. It’s easy enough to just wander the streets to view the Falla displays. However, I recommend you do this in the morning, then aim for Plaza del Ayuntamiento with a bit of time before the daily Mascletá show.
Tip: Make sure you try the Buñuelos (pumpkin donuts) with hot chocolate.
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