The Fallas in Valencia 2012
The Fallas comprise the biggest celebration in Valencia. From the 15th to the 19th of March, in honour of the city’s patron, Saint Joseph, Valencia will be filled with colour, music, huge falleros, and most importantly, fire crackers and pyrotechnics.
A declared Festival of International Tourist Interest, the Fallas allure around a million people to Valencia every year who want to join in the celebrations and fun, and enjoy the atmosphere that reigns throughout.
Although it is difficult to pinpoint when the Fallas originally started out, we do know that they were already being celebrated in the 18th century. Its name derives from Latin and makes reference to torches. The fire is, to be more precise, one of the Valencia Fallas centrepieces.
Gunpowder is another major aspect of the festival, whether it’s in the firecrackers used in the early hours of the morning to wake all the neighbours up and encourage them to join the party, the “mascleta” (firecracker display) or the firework shows. The mascletas are particularly impressive, especially for those who have come to see the Fallas for the first time. The Valencian’s beloved mascletas will be taking place every day from the 1st to the 19th of March at 2pm and, although it is appears like a deafening noise for some, experts say that not only do you have to hear them but you have to feel them….
The monumental “falleros” (enormous figures), more commonly known as simply the “fallas”, are another spectacular part of the festival. They are made with flammable materials including wood, polystyrene, papier mâché and soft cork, etc. and can reach up to more than 30m high. They usually make reference to current topics in a humorous and satirical way. Many artists spend months putting all their originality and talent into these figures. On the 15th of March, the falleros are taken out onto the street for all the world to see and vote for which will be saved from the fire. The rest of the falleros will be burnt on the 19th of March, marking the end of the festival.
Every night, in the early hours of the morning, there are Castles of Fireworks around Alameda. The most spectacular of all is the one held on the night of the 18th and 19th of March, known as “The Night of Fire” which lights up the Valencian sky for a good half an hour.
In addition to all the fire and firework related events, throughout the Fallas Valencia is decorated with special lights and numerous activities, music events and concerts are organised transforming the celebrations into an impressive event. The Fallas are fast approaching, so if you would like to see them this year then make sure you get your apartment in Valencia now.