Valencia Fallas

Every March, the city of Valencia in Spain hosts a grand festival. From March 1 to 19, the entire city is transformed into an open-air museum filled with giant sculptures and works of art. At the climax of the festival, these creations are set ablaze in a spectacular display of fire. Recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival attracts over one million tourists every year. It is a true celebration for the senses, where visitors can experience Valencia's culture and creativity through vivid sights, the sound of firecrackers, the scent of fireworks, and the taste of local cuisine.

1. La Plantà: The Installation of the Giant Sculptures

2. La Mascletà: The Daytime Firecracker Show

3. La Ofrenda: The Floral Offering to the Virgin Mary

4. La Cremà: The Burning of the Fallas

5. Traditional Cuisine and the Festive Atmosphere

The origins of Las Fallas date back to the Middle Ages when carpenters burned old wooden beams used during the winter to celebrate the arrival of spring. Over the centuries, this simple tradition evolved into the spectacular festival seen today, with the first documented records dating back to the 18th century.

For the people of Valencia, Las Fallas is more than just a festival; it is a vital expression of their identity and creativity. The year-round preparation, community involvement in creating the Fallas, and the catharsis of La Cremà all serve to strengthen social bonds and preserve cultural heritage. Its recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016 demonstrates its importance not only to Valencia but to the world.

I visited Valencia as part of my trip to Spain, and it was a complete coincidence that it was during Las Fallas. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I'm not fond of crowds, but I'm so glad I decided to participate. What left the biggest impression on me was La Mascletà. At 2 PM, standing among the crowd in the Town Hall Square, a sudden roar echoed, and the ground started to shake. At first, I was scared, but as I watched the excited expressions of those around me, I too began to feel a sense of exhilaration. When night fell, the city transformed into another world. The giant illuminated Fallas sculptures looked as if they were alive. I tried a local delicacy called buñuelos, a type of fried pastry, recommended by a local, and it was delicious—the sweet aroma and warmth of it warmed me in the chilly night air. The final event, La Cremà, was indescribably magnificent. Watching the Fallas burn, which I had enjoyed for several days, was a little sad, but the sight of flames and fireworks lighting up the night sky was breathtakingly beautiful. A local told me, "This is not an end, but a new beginning," and I felt a deep meaning in those words. In these five days, I was able to experience the passion, creativity, and deep respect for tradition of the Spanish people. Despite the language barrier, I was wrapped in the festival's energy and the warmth of the people, making it a truly special experience. If I have the chance, I would love to participate again.

I visited Valencia as part of my trip to Spain, and it was a complete coincidence that it was during Las Fallas. At first, I was a bit hesitant because I'm not fond of crowds, but I'm so glad I decided to participate. What left the biggest impression on me was La Mascletà. At 2 PM, standing among the crowd in the Town Hall Square, a sudden roar echoed, and the ground started to shake. At first, I was scared, but as I watched the excited expressions of those around me, I too began to feel a sense of exhilaration. When night fell, the city transformed into another world. The giant illuminated Fallas sculptures looked as if they were alive. I tried a local delicacy called buñuelos, a type of fried pastry, recommended by a local, and it was delicious—the sweet aroma and warmth of it warmed me in the chilly night air. The final event, La Cremà, was indescribably magnificent. Watching the Fallas burn, which I had enjoyed for several days, was a little sad, but the sight of flames and fireworks lighting up the night sky was breathtakingly beautiful. A local told me, "This is not an end, but a new beginning," and I felt a deep meaning in those words. In these five days, I was able to experience the passion, creativity, and deep respect for tradition of the Spanish people. Despite the language barrier, I was wrapped in the festival's energy and the warmth of the people, making it a truly special experience. If I have the chance, I would love to participate again.

• The largest Fallas can cost up to 900,000 euros to create and take up to a year to complete.
• During the festival, Valencia's population nearly triples, with over two million visitors joining its 800,000 residents.
• About 120 kilograms of gunpowder are used daily for the Mascletà, totaling over two tons throughout the festival.
• Each year, one ninot is saved from the flames by popular vote, known as the Ninot Indultat, and is preserved in the Fallas Museum.
• More than 40 million carnations are used in the floral offering to the Virgin Mary during the festival.
• It is considered one of Spain's three major festivals, along with the "Feria De Abril" in Seville and the "San Fermín festival" in Pamplona.

The Fallas festival in Valencia is officially held from March 1 to March 19 each year, with the main events concentrated in the final week.