The Valencia Fallas
If there is
any event that stands out in Valencia,
then that is the Fallas (the Fires) that are celebrated from the 15th
to the 19th of March every year, although its preparation and the
many related events take place all year round. The Fallas are particularly
spectacular thanks to the “mascletás” (the firecrackers), a great castle of
fireworks, and the mascletás (pyrotechnics spectacle) featuring lots of noisy
firecrackers which attract hoards of visitors every year who gather in this
beautiful city to listen to the incessant sounds of the fireworks and admire
the originality of the giant papier-mâché figurines based on current political
and cultural figures.
The Fallas
celebrations take place in honour of “San Josep” (Saint Joseph), patron saint
of carpenters, which start everyday with the “despertá” (wake-up-call)
basically comprising in incessant noise created by the “falleros” (firecracker
throwers) at very early hours in the morning who throw firecrackers known as “tró
de bac” against the floor which explode with a loud bang, similar to bangers
which are tightly packed with gunpowder. The aim is to wake everyone up in the
city and invite them to participate in the celebrations.
Without a doubt,
the Valencians go crazy during the mascletás that take place from the 1st
to the 19th of March in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (Town Hall Square)
from 14:00, and which are based on loud noises to stimulate the body.
The most
spectacular part of the Fallas however is the great Castles of Fireworks that
are set off every night at 01:30 until 02:00 in the morning in the area of Alameda, next to the old
riverbed of the River Turia. The most magnificent of these events has to be
what is known as “La Nit
de Foc” (The Night of Fire) during which thousands of kilos of gunpowder are
burnt through the night on the 18th and 19th of March
lighting up the Valencian sky, of course attracting the most visitors who
anxiously await to admire one of the most spectacular pyrotechnic displays of
the year.
But the
Fallas in Valencia
don’t just involve fireworks, firecrackers, and castles of fireworks as during
the celebrations the streets of the entire city are colourfully decorated, and
marching bands, concerts and parties are organised so that everyone can enjoy these
festive days off. The Sueca-Literato Azorín, calle Cuba and Convento Jerusalén Fallas
comprising the most typical and impressive celebration are not to be missed.
In addition, another typical event
is the Verbenas Falleras that organise an array
of Fallas with live concerts, travel dances, lively music and a great
atmosphere to go with it. Don’t forget that during the Fallas churros with
chocolate or donuts (buñuelos) will be on sale in all the cafes in the city of Valencia to help keep you
going during the festivities. And, for those crazy nights out there is nothing
like a typical Valencian cocktail “Agua de Valencia” to complete the
experience which is a delicious beverage based on fresh orange juice, cava,
gin, and vodka. It could be no other way in the land of oranges.
As the icing on the cake, on the
last day of the Fallas celebrations, on the 19th of March at
midnight to be more precise the “Cremá de las Fallas” (the Burning of the Fallas)
takes place which is when all the papier-mâché puppets and dolls in Valencia
are burned excluding the Falla which wins First Prize in the Special Section.
To conclude, quite a spectacular
visual and audio event whereby Valencian traditions are combined to give rise
to the greatest celebrations in the city of Turia.
Quick guide
to the Fallas of Valencia 2011:
9th
-19th March: mascletás from 14:00 in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento
9th
-19th March: Despertá, early hours of the morning
15th-19th March: Castle of Fireworks
19th March: Cremá de
las Fallas
More info on the following link.
Claudia - Marketing Team