The fiery Las Fallas Festival

Like all the countries of the Old World, Spain is a realm of mystery, one where history and tradition, the old and the new, modernity and superstition mix. The fiery Las Fallas Festival is one of the strangest celebrations in Valencia (together with the Tomatina Tomato Fight), but it is also a reason to celebrate light and life and the coming of spring with a vital element: fire.

The corridas, bullfights that attract the public in a rather violent display, are usually regarded as the Spanish traditional form of entertainment. Las Fallas do not differ that much from the norm, there are bullfights organized on this event too; but the focus of attention is the burning of the Fallas, some sculptures built and set to fire for this event. Celebrated in March, Las Fallas Festival ushers in spring and the sense of rebirth.

The origins of this Valencian festival fade into the mist of ancient times. Today, the Fallas statues are quite beautifully made and are on display around Valencia for all to see before they are burnt. Mascleta, an audio display of fireworks that takes place at 2 PM every day during the festival, is another highlight of the event. While this noisy activity takes place in Plaza del Ayuntamiento, there are acrobats performing and everyone joins in the fun.

And talking about noisy (and “nosy”) habits, if you fear you might not wake up in time after a night of partying at the festival, scratch that worry off your list. La Desperta happens at 8 AM, courtesy of the locals who drop firecrackers outside your window.

Flowers are another aspect of Las Fallas. There is a flower procession to the statue of the Virgin: ladies dressed prettily and bringing flowers parade around the city of Valencia to offer the flowers to the Virgin.

Visiting Spain is a delight, so you can book an Alicante airport transfer and enjoy your stay to the full!

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