Las Fallas Valencia - A fiesta that goes up in smoke!

The city of Valencia is always a fantastic destination for a holiday or a weekend break.
However, lucky as we are to live in the beautiful Marina Alta, we can even go to Valencia for the day!
So much to see at any time of year;

The stunning Old Town area, with the historic, gothic cathedral, the "Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica of the Assumption of Our Lady of Valencia" to give it the full title!

The superb, modern "City of Arts and Sciences".

The beaches and port area and the huge, cosmopolitan shopping centre.

Right now however, Valencia is alive with a different vibe. It is a real assault on the senses! You may be deafened by the sound of firecrackers, or the pervading smell of gunpowder and the sights will simply astound you!

It is "Las Fallas" in Valencia. From the 1-19th March, Valencia is buzzing.

The origin of Las Fallas

Valencia has always been a hot bed for art and artisan crafts. Years ago the craftsmen, starting with one jolly carpenter who wanted to herald the beginning of Spring, would light a small fire outside the workshops. They did this to burn the wooden stakes (parots), that they used to raise the lamps, that lit their workshops in winter. This, very quickly became embedded in the tradition of the town. As we know, fiestas are an essential part of Spanish culture and they don´t do anything in half measures. Those small fires got bigger and they began to humanize them by making effigies. The sense of humour of the native craftsmen, shaped these creations, called "Ninots". Often they are political, always topical. Often they create controversy, but they always bring the community together.

Las Fallas de Valencia have been declared an "Intangible Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO.

They build the Ninots all year round, some of these creations have very big budgets, in the millions!

They are exhibited from February and available for all to see. Then, in a twist of irony, befitting the Spanish sense of humour, they are all burned to the ground.

Las Fallas is an incredible event. EVERYONE takes part. There are many processions and the costumes, mostly historic, traditional, Valencian, are stunning.

It may be too late to book accommodation for this year but getting there is better on public transport. Free parking at Xeraco train station, a "cercanilias" train to Valencia Nord and you are right in the centre.

Every day there are Mascletas ( firecrackers), processions and firework displays. The "crema" or the cremation of the Ninots happens on the 19th, which is THE day to try and be there. A Mass at the Cathedral at 12pm kicks it all off and the burning starts at 7pm with a "Cavalcade of Fire", then the kids Ninots are burned. 10pm for the rest of the Ninots and the one that is pronounced the winner is burned last, at 10.30pm. It is a fantastic spectacle and wonderful to take part. Bones festes!

For the full programme of events;

Las Fallas