One of the world’s best festivities is about to kick off in Valencia, as Las Fallas Festival prepares to welcome spring. Firework Crazy is keeping a close eye on what to expect from the massive party.
What is happening in Valencia?
Las Fallas 2017 is about to kick off on the 15th March, with the events continuing until the 19th. Now, this schedule is only for the official festival, as the parties begin on the streets of Valencia right at the start of March.
During the festivities, you can experience firecrackers setting off on the Plaza del Ayuntamiento every day at 2 pm in an event called Mascleta. Fireworks lovers will also find activities around midnight in Passeo Alameda. You can find a preview of the show called Castillo on this clip from 2016:
Fireworks Crazy is the most excited about March 18th, which is when the main fireworks event takes place. Nit de Foc takes place at 2 am – you definitely want to participate in the afternoon Spanish siesta! From the 18th, the party will continue long into the next day – the main event of the burning of the Fallas happens midnight on the 19th. Fallas are the giant papier-mâché figures at the centre of the party. The figures will be marching across Calle Jativa to Marques de Sotelo on the 2nd and the 8th. You will be able to view these stunning figures all across the city throughout the festival even if you miss the parades.
The history behind Las Fallas
So, what is the Las Fallas festival about? The origins of Las Fallas are rooted in the parots of the carpenters. These were wooden lamps used in the winter and then burned on the streets on the eve of San José’s day to commemorate spring. The lamps were decorated from the start, but since the mid-19th century began to take the shape of giant figures. The figures come with a healthy dose of satire, often depicting local politicians or soap stars – similarly to Bonfire Night back home.
Today the city comes to life at the start of March. The streets of Valencia are filled with a mixture of gunpowder, costumes, music, flowers and plenty of fun. Las Fallas Festival also coincides with the honouring of the city’s patron virgin. The Ofrenda de Flores a la Virgen de los Desamparados takes place at 4 pm to 1 pm on the 17th and the 18th March in 2017. The square around Plaza de La Virgin will be filled with beautiful flowers, as you can see from the image below.
How to be part of the celebrations?
All the festivities take place in the Spanish city of Valencia. You can fly to the beautiful city directly from a number of UK airports. The event is a popular tourist attraction for both local and international visitors, so booking your holiday in advance is highly advised.
If you happen to miss the event, don’t worry! Valencia has a dedicated museum for the festival called Fallero Museum. You can learn about the different aspects of the event and even see the pardoned figures, or ninots indultats, from previous years. And you can always organise your own display with fireworks from Fireworks Crazy – as long as you avoid the 2 am start!