Las Fallas: A Valencian Festival You Have to See for Yourself
Excitement and anticipation are palpable throughout the streets of Valencia, as locals and tourists alike prepare for the festivities of the evening. It is March 19th, the final night of Las Fallas, a festival honoring St. Joseph.
Excitement and anticipation are palpable throughout the streets of Valencia, as locals and tourists alike prepare for the festivities of the evening. It is March 19th, the final night of Las Fallas, a festival honoring St. Joseph.
Las Fallas has deep roots in Valencia's history, dating back to the Middle Ages. What began as a humble celebration by carpenters burning old wooden tools on the eve of the feast day of St. Joseph has transformed into a grand spectacle that attracts people from all corners of the globe. The festival officially kicks off on the 15th of March, lasting for five days of walking parades, live music, and elaborate sculptures.
People of all ages stay out until the early hours of the morning to participate in La Crema, the fifth and final night of Las Fallas, during which all of the Fallas (also referred to as ninots), or intricate floats, are burned to the ground. I can attest to this. I got to attend Las Fallas while I was living in Madrid. My friends and I boarded an 8am bus, partied all day and night in Valencia, and then boarded another very early morning bus to make it back to classes the following day. And it was totally worth it.
People of all ages stay out until the early hours of the morning to participate in La Crema, the fifth and final night of Las Fallas, during which all of the Fallas (also referred to as ninots), or intricate floats, are burned to the ground.
While many of the Fallas are satirical and focus on politics, there are smaller ones based on children’s themes, which are typically burned before the larger ones. Some of the first Fallas can be lit as early as 8 pm.
While many of the Fallas are satirical and focus on politics, there are smaller ones based on children’s themes, which are typically burned before the larger ones. Some of the first Fallas can be lit as early as 8pm.
Each neighborhood of Valencia has its own ninot that an assigned team, or casal faller, has worked diligently on for almost a full year. These massive sculptures, often reaching heights of up to 20 feet, are crafted with incredible attention to detail, depicting scenes that capture the essence of Valencian culture. During the festival, you can wander the streets of Valencia and happen upon a variety of different ninots. I would highly recommend you do!
As the clock strikes 10 pm, the first flames illuminate the night, marking the beginning of this unique ritual. The air is filled with the crackling sounds of burning wood, and the glow from the flames casts a warm and surreal light on the faces of the revelers. The larger Fallas, intricate and awe-inspiring, take a bit longer to ignite but once ablaze, they create a breathtaking display of fire and light.
As the last of the flames begin to die down, an air of bittersweet satisfaction settles over Valencia. Many of the revelers party late into the next morning, but all who participated in this surreal evening are already looking forward to the next year’s celebration.
As the last of the flames begin to die down, an air of bittersweet satisfaction settles over Valencia. Many of the revelers party late into the next morning, but all who participated in this surreal evening are already looking forward to the next year’s celebration.
Las Fallas is not just a festival; it's a testament to the resilience of tradition and the enduring spirit of celebration in Valencia. Whether you're captivated by the intricate ninots or swept away by the communal energy of La Crema, experiencing Las Fallas is a journey into the heart of Spanish culture. So, mark your calendars and be prepared to join the Valencians in a celebration that you’ll be looking back on for years to come.
