Las Fallas — the most fiery and spectacular festival in Spain

The loudest, brightest, and most fiery festival in Spain, Las Fallas de Valencia, is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. It is held annually from 15 to 19 March and attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists to the capital of the region, Valencia. It is known throughout the world for its skillfully executed grandiose sculptural compositions made of papier-mâché, wood, cardboard, and wax, which are called falla and are exhibited throughout the city. Every day of the Fallas holiday is celebrated with explosions of firecrackers, colorful fireworks, and cheerful parades. And the culmination of the festival is the grand La Crema ceremony — the burning of paper sculptures.

In this publication, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about this amazing Valencian festival so you don’t miss out on its most spectacular events and have an unforgettable experience. You can also sign up for a tour of the most significant locations of the holiday. Get ready, it will be very hot, noisy and fun!

Main events of Las Fallas

Although the main events of the Papier-mâché Festival in Valencia take place from March 15 to 19, preparations for it and preliminary celebrations begin much earlier. And they are no less interesting.

Creation of falla

The main characters of Las Fallas are large ninot puppets, painted in bright colors and depicting real people, animals, and fictional creatures. It is from them that the monumental sculptural compositions of the falla are composed. They are satirical or humorous and reflect the most important social and political phenomena not only in Spain but throughout the world. In addition to adult sculptures, children’s versions are also produced — Ninot Infantil. These are compositions with a joyful plot, that involves characters from popular cartoons, games, and fairy tales. The artists who create these stunning figures are called phalleros. They spend about a year on their design and construction, that is, they begin the process literally after the end of the previous festival.

The cost of one falla can be tens of thousands of euros. Some of them reach a height of five floors.

400 regional associations of Valencia — Falla — are collecting funds for the construction of figures and organizing numerous festive events. Each has its community center — Casal Faller. Male participants are called fallero, and female participants are called fallera.

Each of the associations nominates girls and women to be the main officials of the Fallas festival — Fallera Mayor and Fallera Infantil. There are 13 women and 13 girls who advance to the finals of the competition. The winners become queens of the fire festival, and the rest of the participants become their retinue.

Exposición del Ninot

About a month before the start of the festival, the City of Arts and Sciences (Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias) hosts the Exposición del Ninot, an exhibition featuring ninots from each casal of Valencia. It ends on March 15th. Visitors can vote for their favorite adult and children’s version of the doll. The two sculptures that receive the most votes receive the status of Ninot Indultat (pardoned doll) and take pride of place in the exhibition of the Museo de las Fallas. And the rest are burned on the final day of the fiesta.

La Crida

On the last Sunday of February, the La Crida ceremony is held — the public proclamation of the opening of Las Fallas. It passes in front of the Serranos Gate (Torres de Serranos) in Valencia’s Old Town. The key moment of the event is the speech of the queen of the festivities, Fallera Mayor, who invites everyone to take part in the festival and enjoy it. The ceremony ends with a spectacular light and pyrotechnic show, signifying that Valencia is now está en Fallas (under the rule of the Fallas).

Mascletas

Mascleta is a vibrant pyrotechnic show during which firecracker explosions create a rhythmic sound composition. It is held daily from March 1 to March 19 at 14:00 at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. It is better to enjoy it from the balconies of surrounding buildings or the observation deck on the Lys Cines Building, but it is not free. And there are usually a lot of people interested, so take care of places in advance. Masklets also take place in other areas of the city. The exact schedule of these events can be found on the official website of Valencia.

The noise of explosions reaches 120 decibels. Therefore, viewers are advised to reduce pressure on the eardrum by opening their mouths slightly. And if you are traveling with a pet, then during Las Fallas take care of a special soundproof shelter for it to prevent anxiety and stress.

La Desperta

La Desperta is translated from Spanish as wake up. Every day from March 1 to March 19 at 8:00 am, fallero groups march through the city streets, scattering loudly exploding firecrackers. This serves as a great reminder that Las Fallas festival is not a time to sleep.

The first such big reveille (Macrodespertà) is held early in the morning on the day of La Creeda. Hundreds of fallero and fallera, surrounded by the thunder of firecrackers, pass through the central streets of Valencia — Carrer de Sant Vicent Martir and Carrer de La Pau. The noisy procession is led by the Fallera Mayor, surrounded by her maids of honor. It ends on City Hall Square with a short but very loud massive explosion of firecrackers.

Cabalgata del Ninot

One of the most spectacular events of the festival is the Cavalgata del Ninot parade, during which the regional communities of the Fallas display their sculptures. In early March, brightly decorated platforms with ninots representing humorous scenes pass through the central streets of Valencia. They are surrounded by participants in beautiful historical costumes. 

The parade usually starts at 5:30 p.m. from the Glorieta Gardens on the side of Plaza Alfonso el Magnánimo, then proceeds along Calle La Paz and San Vicente, and then passes through Plaza del Ayuntamiento and Marqués de Sotelo. The procession ends at Calle Xàtiva. Participants will be treated to a municipal falla performance and a grand night of masquetta.

Planta

Planta is a ceremony for collecting and installing falla sculptural compositions. This is a very complex and spectacular process. For the largest figures, several stories high, cranes are even used. For smaller sculptures, they use a traditional method called planta al tombe: the falla is placed on the ground and raised to the desired height using a system of levers, ropes, and human strength. This is a real show!

The event starts on the morning of March 15, when children’s compositions (Fallas Infantiles) are installed. Also on this day, the people’s verdict is announced and is called Ninot Indultat — a pardoned doll that will avoid burning. The installation of adult fallas occurs on the night of March 15-16.

The Planta schedule and all the locations where the fallas are located can be found on the official city website or at the City Hall Tourist Office in Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

La Ofrenda de Flores

La Ofrenda de Flores is a thousands-strong procession with floral offerings to the Virgin Mary (Virgen de los Desamparados), the patroness of Valencia, affectionately called Geperudeta by locals. It takes place on March 17 and 18 from 3:30 p.m. to midnight. The event is attended by members of Falla associations from all over Valencia. 

Dressed in traditional fallero and fallera costumes, holding white and red carnations, they walk through the city streets to the Plaza de la Virgen, where a giant statue of the Virgin Mary is installed. The role of her robe is played by a wooden structure — on it the decorators place the bouquets that the participants of the procession bring, creating a bright floral outfit for the saint. This is a very emotionally intense and spectacular event.

La Nit del Foc

La Nit del Foc (Night of Fire) is the most spectacular fireworks show in Las Fallas, held on March 18th. At this time, the sky over Valencia lights up with thousands of dazzling flashes. The best location to see the spectacle in all its splendor is next to the Reina Sofia Palace of Arts (Palacio de las Artes Reina Sofía) in the City of Arts and Sciences.

Fireworks displays, although not as grandiose, are held throughout the festivities in different areas of Valencia. Their schedule can be found on the city’s official website.

Cabalgata del Fuego

Cabalgata del Fuego (Cavalcade of Fire) is the hottest parade of the festival, which takes place on the evening of March 19, heralding the burning of the fallas. The procession starts at 7:00 p.m. from Calle de la Paz and continues to Porta del Mar. Participants move on foot and cart with fireworks, firecrackers, and torches. Among them are many actors dressed as fiery demons who bring fire to set fire to the figures.

La Crema

The La Crema ceremony takes place on the night of March 19-20. This is the culmination of the Fallas fire festival in Spain, during which all papier-mâché sculptures are burned to mark the beginning of spring. The first to be burned, at 8:00 p.m., are the children’s compositions Fallas Infantiles. At 10:00 p.m., the same fate befalls all the big figures, except for those who received the first prize of the Sección Especial and the Plaza del Ayuntamiento award. They are set on fire at 10:30 and 11:00 p.m. respectively.

In total, 800 unique sculptures are sacrificed to the flames. But this action, no matter how crazy it may look at first glance, is filled with a deep sacred meaning and means for Valencians the beginning of a new year and the opportunity to live it even better than the previous one.

The best places to enjoy the fiery extravaganza are the balconies and observation decks of buildings on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

History of Las Fallas

Scientists still disagree about the origins of Las Fallas. There are several theories. The most popular of them says that the name of the festival comes from the word fax (torch in Spanish). And its origins go back to the medieval custom of Valencian carpenters to burn unwanted wood on March 19, the day of their patron Saint Joseph. After some time, this grew into the creation of large wooden figures, which eventually began to be set on fire.

Another theory states that the practice of lighting bonfires on March 19 arose from the ancient tradition of celebrating the spring equinox and solstice. Their flame symbolizes rebirth and renewal and marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring.

And the appearance of intricate papier-mâché sculptures is associated with the old European tradition, according to which dolls depicting persona non grata were first hung for public viewing on balconies or pillars, and then burned. This theory perfectly explains the satirical nature inherent in modern falla.

One way or another, the Las Fallas festival has been held for hundreds of years. The first written mention of it dates back to the middle of the 18th century when the government of Valencia issued laws regulating the rules for making holiday bonfires.

Things to do during the Fallas Festival

In addition to the most grandiose and spectacular events of the festival, travelers will find many other joys that allow them to experience the unique atmosphere of Las Fallas and create wonderful memories. Here’s what you should do.

• Visit museums dedicated to the festival. There are two of them in the city: the Museo del Gremio de Artistas Falleros (Museum of the Falleros Artists Guild) in the Benicalap area and the Museo de las Fallas (Museum of the Fallas) in Plaza Monteolivete, next to the City of Arts and Sciences. The first exhibits sketches, models, and figures created before 1934 that escaped burning due to their artistic value. The second contains papier-mâché sculptures pardoned after 1934.
• Buy a Las Fallas poster depicting the most famous fallas as a souvenir. They are collectibles.
• Take part in the noisy and fun Verbena — holiday concerts held on mobile stages throughout the city. They last from the evening until 4:00 a.m. the next morning. The main verbenas of the festival take place in the Viveros Garden, next to the Bellas Artes Museum, in the El Carmen area in the historical center of Valencia, as well as in San Sebastián Square.
• Try the famous festival treats — Paella Valenciana, Buñuelos de calabaza (pumpkin donuts), Arroz del Senyoret (seafood paella), Churros, and sweet Farton buns. The latter are eaten by dipping in horchata. Churros and bunuelos are usually washed down with hot chocolate.

Where to Stay During Las Fallas Holiday

It is worth taking care of booking accommodation in advance, as the festival attracts million tourists. We have selected several hotels of different price categories, where accommodation will allow you to always be in the center of the action in Las Fallas.

• Venecia Plaza Centro is located in the heart of Valencia on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento. Choose one of the rooms with windows overlooking the square, and then you will not miss anything. There are many attractions within walking distance from the hotel — Valencia Cathedral, Lonja de la Seda Silk Exchange, Botanical Garden, North Station, Plaza de Toros de Valencia, and others.
• Hotel NH Valencia Las Ciencias (3 stars) is located near the City of Arts and Sciences. This is an ideal option for those who want to visit the Exposición del Ninot and get the ultimate fireworks experience during La Nit del Foc.
• Only YOU Hotel Valencia (5 stars) is located in the historical center, near Plaza del Ayuntamiento. This means that you will have access to all the main events of the festival but without unnecessary noise and rumble. The rooms are decorated in an eclectic Mediterranean style by designer Lázaro Rosa-Violán.

How to get around Valencia during the Fallas festival

You can rent a car to attend the festivities around Valencia, but you won’t need it in the city itself. During the Fallas fire festival, car traffic on many streets is blocked. Therefore, public transport will be the best choice and the most cost-effective: Temporal Jove pass holders under 31 years of age can travel free of charge on Metrobus, EMT, and Metrovalencia. The SUMA card, which combines all types of public transport in Valencia, reduces ticket prices by up to 50%.

Metrovalencia, which operates the metro and trams, as well as municipal bus companies, is introducing additional services from March 15 to 20 and increasing the number of staff serving transport and stations.

It is worth considering that the road to your destination will take longer due to changes in routes and schedules. Thus, from March 16 to 19, during the masklet (12:30-2:30 p.m.), trains do not stop at the Colón and Xàtiva metro stations.

A good option to travel without delays during the Fallas is a motosharing service from Acciona, Cooltra, or Yego. To plan your trip and not be late, you can use the mobile application for Valencia transport — Miivo.

Valencia on the map

Frequently asked questions about Las Fallas

What is Las Fallas?

Las Fallas in Valencia is the most famous Spanish fire festival, which takes place in early March and symbolizes spring renewal.

How long does the Fallas festival last?

The Las Fallas festival runs from March 1st to 19th. Its most spectacular events take place from March 15 to 19.

What happens during Las Fallas?

Guests of the Fallas festival can admire its main symbols — large ninot puppet dolls made of papier-mâché, cardboard, and wood, which make up the monumental sculptural compositions of the falla. On the last day of the fiesta, all but one of them are burned during La Crema. 

Tourists can also expect vibrant pyrotechnic masquet shows, fireworks, parades, concerts, and unusual ceremonies, as well as an introduction to the traditions of Valencia.

Is Las Fallas religious?

The festival has both pagan and religious components. It is dedicated to the celebration of the spring equinox and solstice. Also, the origins of the Fallas go back to the ancient tradition of Valencian carpenters making fires from leftover wood on March 19, the day of their patron Saint Joseph. 

In addition, during the festival, the people of Valencia hold a procession with La Ofrenda de Flores flowers to honor their patron saint Virgen de los Desamparados — the Virgin Mary.

Is Las Fallas popular?

Fallas is one of the most popular Spanish festivals. Every year the event is visited by about a million tourists from around the world. This makes it one of the largest street festivals in Europe.

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