LAS FALLAS in Valencia

If you want to celebrate one of Europe’s biggest festivals, you definitely have to experience “Las Fallas” in Valencia.

“Las Fallas” is a celebration that dates back to the time when carpenters burnt leftovers of wood on the day of their patron Saint Joseph. Over the ages, these piles of wood turned into amazing statues, also known as “fallas”. A falla is all about humour, criticizing society and a fresh look on current events.

The night these statues are put up is known as the night of the Planta. The next day, you can find them on every square and street corner of Valencia, and they tend to be huge!  It is almost impossible to see all the falla statues, there are more than 350, but you can get up early one day for a stroll along the most famous ones. They are only up for 4 days (16-19th march); so make sure you see them on time. Bring you camera!

Fireworks and “fiesta”

People from Valencia love fireworks! If you want to experience some really loud fireworks, you should not miss the Mascleta, celebrated every day at 14:00 on the Town Hall Square. La Mascleta can be described as 10 minutes of ear deafening explosions produced by hundreds of firecrackers. Masses of people gather at the square for their daily intake of decibels. Try to get to the square at least half an hour before the Mascleta to get a good spot.

 If you cannot get enough, then head to the Paseo de Alamada at midnight. An impressive display of colourful fireworks is definitely the best way to start you night on the town. After the fireworks, head to the verbenas. These open-air performances (bands, dj’s) are held on many squares in town. Just buy a drink and dance with the locals!

 La Ofrenda

Las Fallas is not only about Fireworks and fiesta. Local people pay their respects to one of the most important “virgins” on the Plaza de la Virgen, behind the cathedral. Long rows of people dressed in traditional dresses pass the square to lay flowers at a huge replica of the virgin. An impressive sight!

 Grand Finale

It all ends on the 19th of March. At midnight, all the falla statues are all set on fire, known as the night of the Cremá. Watch how the flames destroy these works of art, while firemen keep an eye on the surrounding buildings and the locals shed some tears…A great end to a great party!

 Agenda

When: March 1st-19th (The falla statues are brought on display starting March 1st, the real festival starts on March 15th midnight)

La Planta: March 15th, midnight

La Mascleta: March 1st-19th, every day at 2pm, Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)

La Ofrenda: March 17th -18th, Plaza de la Virgen

La Cremá: March 19th, starting around 12.30am, all through town

Fireworks: March 16th and 17th. Paseo de Alameda (check times at your accommodation or ask around).

 Tips and tricks

  1. Book you accommodation in advance. Valencia gets booked full during las Fallas and prices tend to be higher
  2. Keep an eye on your personal belongings and do not carry too many valuables.
  3. If you want to go out for dinner, make reservations in advance.
  4. Bring some earplugs to block out the noise when you want to sleep. A hotel next to a “casal faller” is equal to sleepless nights.
  5. Get the special Fallas brochure from the tourist info.
  6. The real party starts around the 15th of March.
  7. If you want to combine fallas with a cultural visit, it might be a good idea to stay in the city after the 19th of March, there will be less people and it will be easier to get around.
  8. Wear comfy shoes. You will be walking a lot!
  9. Take public transport and forget about bringing a car- many streets are closed to traffic.
  10. The places to be are the following neighbourhoods: “Ruzafa” for plenty of falla statues, drinks, verbenas (outdoor discos) and spectacular street decoration. “El Carmen” for small streets and bars, and also spectacular falla statues.

 

Las Fallas in Valencia was contributed by Susanne Geudeke

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