Fallas, or Ninots in Flames. Festival of Fire in Valencia

Culture/March 14, 2024

Every year in Valencia, from 15 to March 19, the city transforms into an arena of color, lights and joy, where endless fun continues until dawn. It's a time when the streets are bustling with activity and the atmosphere is saturated with the bang of firecrackers, explosions of fireworks and beautiful falleras that add to the splendor of this special holiday.

Tradition and Origins of the Festival:

The Fallas festival dates back to medieval times, when local carpenters celebrated the day of their patron saint, St. Joseph, by burning piles of used wood. Over the years, this simple tradition has evolved into an elaborate festival in which Valencian residents erect monumental figures made of maché paper and wood, known as ninots. These symbolic sculptures not only attract attention with their beauty, but also often express social, political and cultural messages.

Falleras Contemporaneous:

On inauguration day, the last Sunday of February, Valencia proclaims its fiesta queen (fallera mayor), which is the official invitation to go wild during Fallas de Valencia. In the meantime impressive ninots are also prepared, which are the heart of the holiday. From 15 to March 19 the city is constantly alive, the festively dressed streets become an arena for various displays of folk traditions, art and pyrotechnics. Thanks to the unique atmosphere, every tourist can feel like an authentic participant in this cultural spectacle.

Unforgettable Events for the Fallas Festival:

During the day, the streets bustle with life, with street concerts, traditional dances and art shows. The city's streets also host the world's loudest firecracker show, mascletà, which resounds at 2pm outside Valencia City Hall. In the evening, the city comes alive with colorful lights, and the night sky is lit up with magnificent fireworks. But the real thrill comes on March 19, when the largest ninots are symbolically burned, marking the end of this amazing holiday.

Ninots puppets - Heart of the Fallas Festival:

The most recognizable element of the holiday are the ninots - symbolic sculptures that every neighborhood in Valencia prepares with great dedication and creativity. These unique works of art they often refer to current events or satirize well-known public figures. Their beauty and expressiveness make the competition for the most beautiful composition one of the most anticipated events of the Fallas festival.

The Fallas festival in Valencia is not only an occasion for celebration, but also an expression of social unity, creativity and cultural heritage that attracts crowds from all over the world. This unique 2016 event has been added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity