After a tragic pause, Valencia resumes its Fallas celebrations

Friday, March 1, 2024

After pausing to honour the victims of a recent tragedy, Valencia has recommenced the celebrations for this year’s Fallas festival. Recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2016, the festival celebrates both Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters, and the arrival of spring. This event has grown into a globally renowned celebration, drawing nearly a million visitors annually to the Mediterranean city.

The main characters of the Fallas are the ninots, a series of sturdy, colorful figures of wood and papier-mâché placed together to create artistic monuments known as fallas. The ninots depict individuals such as politicians, celebrities, folk characters, or animals, often in a satirical or timely manner.

Renowned for its mouthwatering gastronomy and home to the Spanish dish paella, València is a must-see destination when discovering Spain. Located on the Iberian Peninsula with immediate access to the Mediterranean Sea, travelers who visit València can experience 75 miles of beaches, including the famous La Malvarrosa, year-round warm weather, and plenty of outdoor activities such as bike routes that span nearly 100 miles and hike trails that cross the Albufera Natural Park.

Featuring three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, impressive museums, and spectacular gardens, this vibrant city is filled with breathtaking sights, including the Palace of the Marquis of Dos Aguas, the historical old town, and charming neighborhoods that reflect València’s past and present culture. Visitors can choose from various accommodations, from beachfront lodging to luxury historical palaces.

A port city ideal for the eco-conscious traveler, it is the first destination to be awarded by AENOR for verifying the carbon footprint of its tourist activity, and the Richard Camarena Restaurant, located in the heart of València, was rewarded a Green Michelin star for its constant commitment to the environment.

The figures, often measuring over 60 feet, are placed throughout the city’s streets on the evening of March 15th for the public. The festivities culminate with the Cremá, an event on the night of the 19th, in which the ninots are set alight. The only exceptions are the ninots indults, those “saved” through a popular vote, which are subsequently taken to the city’s Museo Fallero and exhibited there for posterity.

Another landmark event of the Fallas celebration is the mascletà, which features a music band accompanied by a fireworks spectacle with a specially crafted score, creating a unique sensory experience. This event occurs daily starting March 1st at 2 pm at Town Hall Square.

Visitors on the 17th and 18th should witness the offering to the Virgen de los Desamparados, a two-day parade in which participants from different committees pay tribute to Valencia’s patroness by placing a spectacular display of flower bouquets.

While the Fallas celebration is open to all, visitors to Valencia can buy a special voucher online, providing access to fenced areas and allowing them to enjoy the festivities from a better vantage point.

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