Las Fallas: Top 5 Tips to the Loudest and Longest Festival in Spain

Las Fallas – Valencia’s festival that you can’t miss

First, I have to be very clear about the timing of this article. It’s just after 4 PM on March 15^th when I sit down to write this and Spain”s biggest and loudest festival is underway, but nowhere near its height of the frenzy.

Over the next four days and four-nights, an invasion of art, music, fireworks, gunpowder, smoke, explosions, and emotions will pour over the ancient city of Valencia, Spain. The craziness is held every year during the second week of March, and is a testament to Valencian food, frenzy and wonder.

Let’s start with the basic questions:

#1 Las Valles 

Las Fallas is a celebration of spring in all its forms via a technicolor display of wooden puppets and pyrotechnics. The custom of burning wood originated from the various bits and pieces being tossed into the flame after a long and cold winter. Over time, these pieces became humanized to the form of ‘ninots’ (dolls), which later transformed into the beautiful figures that adorn the streets during the second fortnight of March.

#2 La Mascletà

Spaniards as a whole love fire and noise, but Valencians have taken it to an entirely new level. And there is no more perfect combination than La Mascletà.  From March 1-19th, Valencia’s Town Hall Square lights up in a cacophony of lights and noise when the clock strikes 14h. But if crowds aren’t your passion, then rent a balcony with food service to get a more panoramic bird’s eye view.

#3 La Ofrenda

The patroness of Valencia, commonly known as La Virgen de los Desamparados, receives more than 57,600 bouquets of flowers to adorn its mantle; whereby forming a 15-meter high tapestry. Regardless of your spiritual leanings, the procession is an experience worth having.

#4 La Nit del Foc

La Gran Nit del Foc (or the Great Night of Fire) is one of the most important pyrotechnic events of the Fallas and is held at the Paseo de la Alameda on the night of March 18th at 1:30 am. This ceremony marks the beginning of the last day of Fallas with an enormous firework castle. The Great Night of Fire is an emblematic and special night because it marks the beginning of a new year.

#5 La Crèma

On the last day of Fallas, March 19th, each and every Fallas is burned in La Cremà. La Cremà marks the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. Symbolically, the fire burns all that is harmful, useless, or not meant to further our growth. It’s an emotional and powerful ceremony for both the spectators and falleros alike.

Whether you’re keen to experience Valencia in its full pyrotechnical wonder, or quietly during the off-season, let us know. We’re more than happy to create a customized experience that perfectly suits your needs.