Las Falles de Valencia – a spectacular Spanish celebration
This February, I was looking for an European city-break. I had a short list of locations in hand, but I was hoping for a warm place after the Romanian cold winter. I needed a short escape after a very busy period at work, so I got over a good air fare promo for Valencia. I took the flights and booked the hotel for mid-March.
By the time of booking, I had no clue that during the chosen period, Las Falles will be ongoing. However, hotel’s representatives were really helpful and sent me an e-mail a few days before arrival. It was the first time I had heard about this festival which is not really well-known.
Las Fallas or Las Falles(as called by Valencians) is a traditional celebration in honor of Saint Joseph which takes place every March in Valencia, Spain. The term Las Fallas means torch. By this term, Valencians are referring to both the festival and the allegorical chariots.
The celebration has its origin in the Middle Ages, when artisans disposed of their broken artifacts and small pieces of woods by burning them to celebrate spring equinox.
Burning falla
Nowadays, it is a fiesta of collective creativity and art. Small groups of people, known as Casal faller, from each Valencian neighborhood are preparing their ninot(pupets) for the grand parade. The casal faller is responsible for raising the funds and building the falla(the whole assemble that supports the ninot) which will be burnt on the last day of festival.
A couple of awarded fallas models
The nights of the festival are a continuous street party. Each community comes out to the street in order to present their allegorical scene. Fireworks can be seen at every corner and many participants dress in medieval clothing.
Since November 2016, the festival was added to UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.
A family wearing medieval clothing during Las Falles festival
Medieval clothing for rent
In 2017, the festival was organized between March 1-19. The most important events took place during the week-ends.
St. Joseph - statue of flowers
Thank you for reading!
Fallas in Valencia is one of the reasons I live there! It is mindblowing, especially the Mascletá and Nit del Foc . Some of the most amazing fireworks you'll ever experience. Seeing a video of it does not quite capture the experience. The fallas (the statues) themselves are stunningly creative. If you ever get the chance you should check it out!
Here is a post of mine about Valencia in general:
https://steemit.com/travel/@the-traveller/valencia-an-underrated-base-for-digital-nomads-interested-in-spanish-living
Thank you for your nice comment! The fireworks were indeed amazing :) I really loved them.
Nice article about Valencia. Started following you.
@alinabarbu Wow, how interesting! Thank you for your story.
I'm glad you liked it. It was really nice. Cheerful atmosphere, nice art, great weather :D
Interesting story and beautiful pics, thanks for share, @alinabarbu ^_^
I'm glad you liked them, @silviabeneforti :) Thank you!
Wow amazing photos looks like in a dream world there
Thanks :) It really is - fireworks everywhere, all the city is awake until 4 am, celebrating. It's pretty awesome
That is not in every day like that mo? :)
Except the burning part :) They have events planned for each evening - most of them taking place in downtown and related to art. The fireworks and las fallas can be seen every night during the festival
Hey Alina! :) I'm from almost there haha :P I live really near of Valencia. I 'm glad that you like the Falla's! Regards
Oh nice :) it was great😊 Have a nice evening!
Great photos and post. I had never heard of Las Fallas before. There is something new to learn every day.
Thank you! I'm glad you liked it and found it interesting :)
Great travel post @alinabarbu ..upvote.greets
Thank you, @germanlifestyle! I'm glad you liked it.have a great evening!
Thank you @alinabarbu..Wish you a nice evening
Thank you!