Since you are preparing for your big move to Urban Campus Ayora Valencia Coliving, and want to get to know the city better, we want to introduce you to one of the most famous festivals in Valencia. We have prepared the ultimate article with everything you need to know about “Las Fallas de Valencia”!
What is “Las Fallas”?
Las Fallas de Valencia is a unique festival declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO that takes place every year in you guest it – Valencia, Spain. It is a week-long and takes place annually from March 15th to March 19th. However, the celebrations start picking up on March 1st, to help get the city in the mood and ready for what is to come. You will be able to experience spectacular fireworks displays almost daily, incredibly colorful parades, and elaborate sculptures made out of wood and paper mache.
Understanding the History
The history of Las Fallas dates back to the Middle Ages when carpenters in Valencia would burn their wooden workshops and leftover materials on the Feast Day of Saint Joseph (March 19th), the patron saint of carpenters. Over time, this tradition evolved into the creation of large-scale wooden figures that were eventually set on fire.
The modern-day version of Las Fallas began in the mid-19th century when the city council began to organize the festival with the citizens. Today, Las Fallas is a major cultural event that attracts millions of visitors worldwide. Will you be one of them this year?
Traditions
La Cremá (The Burning)
The main tradition of Las Fallas is the creation and burning of large-scale sculptures (some as tall as 30 feet), known as “fallas”. These sculptures are made out of wood, paper mache, and other materials, and often depict satirical or humorous scenes. La Cremá will take place on March 19th, the day of San José. The beautiful pieces of art are transformed into towering infernos that light up the night sky with intense heat and light. This tradition symbolizes the wood burning as a way of celebrating the end of the dark winter working days and the arrival of spring.
Did you know that each falla takes a year to create? As soon as one is burned, artists and craftsmen come together again to work on the next year’s creation.
La Nit del Foc (The Night of Fire), is the night of the largest and longest firework display in Las Fallas de Valencia. Approximately 7187 fireworks will be launched in 20 minutes with 62 effects and colours within 27 sets. The beautiful display can be seen from the old river and over the city of Arts and Sciences and will begin in the early hours of Saturday, March 18 to March 19 (at 01:00 a.m.).
Other Traditions in Las Fallas de Valencia
There are also a number of other traditions and events that take place throughout the city. One of the most popular is the Mascleta, which from the beginning of March until the 19th will take place in Valencia’s central square (Plaza del Ayuntamiento) at 14H. It is an explosive display of firecrackers designed to simulate the sound of an earthquake. It is meant to be felt as well as heard.
On the 17th and 18th of March, you will also witness another beautiful tradition, La Ofrenda de Flores (Flower Offering). This is a very emotional part of Las Fallas, where thousands of Valencians dress in traditional clothing and offer flowers to an enormous statue of the Virgin Mary in the Plaza de la Virgin. The flowers are used to create a colorful and intricate mosaic that covers the entire statue.
Why do you need to go to Las Fallas?
During the festival, the city of Valencia becomes alive, there is a vibrant energy that runs through every street corner that you need to experience at least once in your life. So get ready to join the street dancing, feel the rhythm of the music, and marvel at the stunning artwork that surrounds you. We recommend you get to know your new coliving city better and immerse yourself in Las Fallas!
