What Happens During Las Fallas of Valencia?
Las Fallas of Valencia is one of the most spectacular and iconic festivals in Spain. Every year, from March 15 to 19, the city of Valencia fills with art, fire, fireworks, and music in honor of Saint Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. This celebration, recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, combines tradition, satire, and an incredible visual spectacle.
From MaestroMío, we tell you what happens during Las Fallas and why this festival is one of the most impressive in the world.
1. La Plantà: The Assembly of the Fallas Monuments
On March 15, the city wakes up to the installation of enormous papier-mâché sculptures called fallas. These structures can reach over 20 meters in height and depict satirical scenes about politics, society, and culture.
There are two types of fallas:
- Major Fallas (Fallas mayores): The largest and most elaborate ones.
- Children’s Fallas (Fallas infantiles): Smaller in size, with more educational themes.
Fallas committees work all year to create these monuments, which will be admired by thousands of visitors before their final burning.
2. La Mascletà: Explosions of Gunpowder and Sound
From March 1 to 19, every day at 2:00 PM, the Plaza del Ayuntamiento becomes the stage for La Mascletà, a powerful display of coordinated firecracker explosions that make the ground tremble.
The sound of gunpowder is so intense that it can be felt throughout the body, and Valencians consider this one of the most thrilling traditions of Las Fallas.
3. The Floral Offering to the Virgin of the Forsaken
On March 17 and 18, thousands of falleros and falleras dressed in traditional attire parade to the Plaza de la Virgen to offer flowers to the Virgin of the Forsaken, the patron saint of Valencia.
The flowers are placed on a massive wooden structure, forming a spectacular tapestry that covers the Virgin’s mantle. This is one of the most emotional and symbolic moments of the festival.
4. La Nit del Foc: The Grand Fireworks Show
On the night of March 18, Valencia lights up with an impressive fireworks display over the old Turia River bed. This “Night of Fire” is the perfect prelude to the festival’s grand finale.
5. La Cremà: Fire Consumes Everything
On March 19, Saint Joseph’s Day, the most anticipated moment arrives: La Cremà. At night, all the fallas are burned in massive bonfires, symbolizing the end of the festival cycle and renewal.
The fire consumes the fallas monuments in a breathtaking spectacle that attracts thousands of people. First, the children’s fallas are burned, and at midnight, the municipal falla in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento marks the official end of the festival.
Summary
Las Fallas of Valencia is a one-of-a-kind celebration. For five days, the city bursts with color, fire, and joy through fireworks displays, parades, music, and the famous Cremà. More than just a festival, Las Fallas represent the identity and festive spirit of Valencians, making it an unforgettable experience for those who attend.
If you haven’t experienced Las Fallas yet, Valencia is waiting for you with open arms—and plenty of gunpowder in the air! 🎆🔥
